Alarm system

ABSTRACT

Described herein are alarm systems for suction devices for reduced pressure therapy. Alarms systems provide alerts to the patient and/or practitioner regarding the ability of the suction device to continue to provide negative pressure to a tissue region. Alarm systems comprise a sensor mechanism, which is capable of detecting the position of a slidable seal within the suction device, and generating an alert. Certain variations of alarms systems comprise magnetic field sensitive switches and/or electric switches. Other variations of alarm systems comprise rotary encoders to detect the motion and location of constant force springs, which signal the notification mechanism to issue alerts accordingly. Described herein are alarm devices configured to retain a suction device therein and to attach the suction device to a patient. The alarm devices disclosed herein detect the depleted state of the suction device and are capable of retaining the suction device in a plurality of orientations.

RELATED REFERENCES

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/175,744, filed Jul. 1, 2011, which claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/372,419, filed Aug. 10, 2010, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/372,843, filed Aug. 11, 2010, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/372,837, filed Aug. 11, 2010, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/470,423, filed Mar. 31, 2011, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Research has shown that applying reduced pressure to a tissue wound may provide several beneficial effects. For example, applying sub-atmospheric pressure to a wound may lead to retraction of the damaged tissue edges and thus may expedite healing by facilitating wound contraction. Reduced pressure wound therapy may also provide mechanical stimulation to the damaged tissue, which may release growth factors to the wound bed to promote healing. In some cases, applying suction to a wound may remove necrotic tissue from the wound bed and may help to reduce bacterial load.

In light of these and other benefits of reduced pressure tissue therapy, methods and devices that ensure a reliable application of reduced pressure to a wound may be desirable.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Alarm systems suitable for use with suction devices for reduced pressure wound therapy are described below.

Disclosed herein is a reduced pressure therapy device that may comprise a suction device with a suction chamber and a slidable seal within the suction chamber, a magnet coupled to the slidable seal, and an alarm device comprising a sensor that is configured to detect the location of a magnet within the suction chamber. The alarm device may be configured to retain the suction device, and may also comprise a notification mechanism that is configured to generate an alert based on the location of the magnet. In some variations, the alarm device is configured to be electrically activated when retaining the suction device. The alarm device may comprise a conductive element along an outer surface and the alarm device comprises two or more connectors. The conductive element may be configured to provide an electrical conduit between the two or more connectors to electrically activate the alarm device. In some variations, the alarm device may comprise a tactile power switch configured to be pressed when the alarm device retains the suction device.

Optionally, a suction device may comprise a fluid absorption material retained by a carrier within the suction chamber. In some variations, the fluid absorption material may be bonded to an outer surface of the carrier. Alternatively or additionally, the carrier may comprise a pouch configured to releasably retain the fluid absorption material. A suction device may also comprise a screen located between the carrier and the distal portion of the suction chamber. In some variations, the screen may be adhesively attached to the suction chamber or may be adhesively attached to the carrier.

Disclosed herein is a reduced pressure therapy system that may comprise a suction device comprising a suction chamber with an inlet opening and a slidable seal within the suction chamber. The reduced pressure therapy system may also comprise an expandable fluid absorbent material located within the suction chamber and a screen configured to block displacement of the expandable fluid absorbent material out of the suction device. The screen may also be configured to sequester the expandable fluid absorbent material in a selected region of the suction chamber. The screen may be located within the suction chamber. In some variations, the expandable fluid absorbent material, prior to any fluid absorption, may have a fixed location in the suction chamber that is independent of suction device orientation. In some variations, the expandable fluid absorbent material may be retained by a carrier structure. The carrier structure may be retained at a selected region in the suction chamber. For example, the expandable fluid absorbent material may be bonded to the carrier structure, and in some cases, may be bonded on a surface of the carrier structure. Additionally or alternatively, the expandable fluid absorbent material may be releasably contained within the carrier structure. The expandable fluid absorbent material may be woven into the carrier structure. In some variations, the carrier structure comprises a permeable pouch. One variation of a permeable pouch may comprise two permeable layers sealed together. Optionally, the expandable fluid absorbent material may comprise one or more disinfecting agents.

In some variations of a suction device fluid retention assembly, the carrier structure may comprise an aperture therethrough, and may be located within the suction chamber such that the aperture is aligned with the inlet opening of the suction chamber. The screen of the fluid retention assembly may be interposed between the inlet opening and the carrier structure.

In some variations of a suction device fluid retention assembly, the carrier structure may comprise a permeable pouch. The permeable pouch may comprise two permeable layers sealed together, and may optionally be sealed together along the perimeter of each of the layers. The permeable pouch may be attached to the screen of the fluid retention assembly. In some variations, the expandable fluid absorbent material may be releasably contained within the carrier structure.

Methods of treating a patient using reduced pressure therapy are also described herein. One variation of a method for treating a patient may comprise providing suction to a treatment site using a suction device and absorbing fluid from a treatment site using a fluid absorbent material. Prior to fluid absorption, the fluid absorbent material may have a fixed location within the suction device. Some methods may further comprise blocking expulsion of the fluid absorbent material using a screen located within the suction device. In some variations, the method may use a suction device comprising a suction-generating chamber with a sliding seal, where the fluid absorbent material and the screen are located within the suction-generating chamber.

One variation of a method for treating a patient may comprise providing suction to a treatment site using a suction device comprising a suction-generating chamber, absorbing fluid from a treatment site using a fluid absorbent material, and blocking expulsion of the fluid absorbent material using a screen located within the suction-generating chamber. In some variations, the fluid absorbent material may have a fixed location within the suction-generating chamber.

Provided herein is a reduced pressure therapy system comprising a suction device comprising a suction chamber, a expandable fluid absorbent material located within the suction chamber; and a screen configured to sequester the expandable fluid absorbent material in a selected region of the suction chamber. The suction chamber may comprise an inlet opening at a distal portion of the chamber and a slidable seal therein. In some variations, the expandable fluid absorbent material may be sequestered in the selected region of the suction chamber that is independent of suction device orientation. For example, the screen may sequester the expandable fluid absorbent material at the distal portion of the suction chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the expandable fluid absorbent material may be retained by a carrier structure, wherein the carrier structure is retained at the selected region in the suction chamber. In some variations, the expandable fluid absorbent material may be bonded to the carrier structure, such as to a surface of the carrier structure. The expandable fluid absorbent material may alternatively or additionally be woven into the carrier structure. Optionally, the expandable fluid absorbent material may comprise one or more disinfecting agents.

In some variations, the carrier structure may comprise an aperture therethrough, and the aperture may be aligned with the inlet opening of the suction chamber. The screen may be interposed between the inlet opening and the carrier structure. In some variations, the expandable fluid absorbent material may be releasably contained within the carrier structure. The carrier structure may comprise a permeable pouch, and in some variations, the permeable pouch may be attached to the screen. The permeable pouch may comprise two permeable layers sealed together. The two permeable layers may be sealed together along the perimeter of each of the layers.

Another variation of a reduced pressure therapy system may comprise a chamber with a movable magnet and a magnet sensitive mechanism configured to detect a magnetic field of the movable magnet. The chamber may be a vacuum-generating chamber configured with a fixed wall and a movable wall. In some variations, the movable wall may comprise a slidable seal, while in other variations, the vacuum-generating chamber may comprise a bellows mechanism, where the magnet is located on the movable wall of the bellows. The chamber may also be a fluid trap chamber, and in some variations, may comprise a float, where the float is coupled to the movable magnet. In some variations of a reduced pressure therapy system, the magnet sensitive mechanism may comprise one or more reed switch, where the reed switch may normally have an open state. A plurality of reed switches may be provided along a movement axis of the movable magnet. Alternatively, the reduced pressure therapy system may comprise a Hall effect sensor. The magnet sensitive mechanism may be coupled to a clip configured to attach to the vacuum system. In certain variations, the reduced pressure therapy system may further comprise an indicator mechanism connected to the magnet sensitive mechanism and configured to provide at least one signal indicated of a position of the movable magnet. The at least one signal may be a visual, auditory, or tactile signal.

Another variation of a reduced pressure therapy system may comprise a non-electrically powered vacuum-generating chamber configured with a position element located on a movable region of the vacuum-generating chamber, and a circuit comprising a first state when the position element is at a first location and a second state when the position element is at a second location. The circuit may be configured to be detachably attachable to the vacuum-generating chamber. The circuit may also comprise an electrical power source and a signaling mechanism, where the signaling mechanism is configured to generate at least one signal that is an audio, visual, and/or tactile signal. In some variations, the signaling mechanism may be configured to generate a wireless signal, or may be configured to transmit an alarm signal to a remote monitoring display.

The position element of a reduced pressure therapy system may comprise an electrical pathway having a first end located about a first surface of the chamber and a second end located about a second surface of the chamber, and the first state of the circuit is an open circuit and the second state of the circuit is a closed circuit state. In some variations, the first surface of the chamber may be an outer surface of the chamber, and in some cases, the chamber may be a bellows chamber. In other variations, the first surface of the chamber may be an inner surface of the chamber, and in some cases, the movable region of the vacuum-generating chamber may be a slidable sealing wall.

The position element of a reduced pressure therapy system may be a magnet. In some variations, the circuit may be a Hall effect sensor circuit and/or a reed switch circuit.

Also described below are methods for treating a patient using a reduced pressure therapy system. One example of a method for treating a patient may comprise treating a patient with a reduced pressure therapy system comprising a non-electrically powered vacuum mechanism and an electrically powered alarm system, wherein the electrically powered alarm system comprises a magnetic sensitive mechanism, and using a magnetic sensitive mechanism to indicate a state of the vacuum mechanism. The magnetic sensitive mechanism may comprise a reed switch, where the reed switch has a sensitivity of about 10 to about 60 Ampere-Turns. The reed switch may be in a normally open state. The method may also comprise detaching the vacuum mechanism from the alarm system and attaching a new vacuum mechanism to the same alarm system. The method may also comprise activating the new vacuum mechanism.

Another variation of a reduced pressure therapy device may comprise a suction device with a suction chamber and a slidable seal within the suction chamber, where the slidable seal is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the suction chamber, a magnet coupled to the slidable seal transversely to the longitudinal axis of the suction chamber, and an alarm device comprising one or more sensors that may be configured to detect the location of a magnet within the suction chamber. The alarm device may be configured to retain the suction device along the longitudinal axis. The alarm device may comprise a first sensor at a distal portion of the alarm device, and a second sensor at a proximal portion of the alarm device, where the first and second sensors are configured to detect the location of the magnet. Additionally, the alarm device may comprise a notification mechanism configured to generate an alert when the magnet is aligned with the second sensor.

Another variation of a reduced pressure therapy device with an alarm system using a magnetic sensor mechanism may comprise a suction device, the suction device comprising a suction chamber, a slidable seal within the suction chamber, and a central shaft coupled to the slidable seal, a magnet coupled along the longitudinal axis of the central shaft, and an alarm device configured to retain the suction device. The alarm device may comprise a sensor configured to detect the position of the magnet within the suction chamber, and a notification mechanism configured to generate an alert according to the position of the magnet.

Some variations of a reduced pressure therapy device with an alarm system may comprise a suction device comprising a suction chamber with a longitudinal axis from a proximal portion to a distal portion, a slidable seal disposed within the suction chamber transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a shaft fixedly attached to the slidable seal, wherein the shaft is oriented along the longitudinal axis, a magnet coupled to the shaft along the longitudinal axis, and an alarm device configured to retain the suction device. The alarm device may comprise a sensor configured to detect the position of the magnet within the suction chamber, and a notification mechanism configured to generate an alert according to the position of the magnet.

Certain variations of reduced pressure therapy devices with an alarm system may use an electrical switch mechanism. For example, a reduced pressure therapy device may comprise a suction device comprising a suction chamber and a slidable seal within the suction chamber, an electrical switch coupled to the slidable seal, and an alarm device configured to retain the suction device. The attachment feature may comprise a notification mechanism configured to generate an alert when aligned with the electrical switch.

Another variation of a reduced pressure therapy device may comprise a suction device comprising a suction chamber and a slidable seal transversely disposed within the suction chamber, an electrical current conduit coupled to the slidable seal, wherein the conduit extends across the entire transverse width of the slidable seal, and an alarm device configured to retain the suction device. The alarm device may comprise a notification mechanism with a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact opposite the first electrical contact, wherein the notification mechanism is configured to generate an alert when the first and second electrical contacts are connected by the current conduit.

Certain variations of reduced pressure therapy devices may comprise a suction device comprising a suction chamber and a slidable seal within the suction chamber, a magnet coupled to the slidable seal, and an alarm device configured to retain the suction device. The alarm device may comprise a magnetic field sensitive switch configured to activate a notification mechanism to generate an alert according to the location of the magnet. In some variations, the magnetic field sensitive switch may be a reed switch. Alternatively or additionally, the magnetic field sensitive switch may comprise a sensor to detect the location of the magnet within the suction chamber.

Other variations of reduced pressure therapy devices may comprise a suction device comprising a suction chamber and a slidable seal transversely disposed within the suction chamber, a magnet coupled to the slidable seal, and an attachment feature configured to retain the suction device along the longitudinal axis. The slidable seal may be oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the suction chamber. The attachment feature may comprise a reed switch at a proximal portion, where the reed switch is configured to be closed when the magnet is at or near the proximal portion. The attachment feature may also comprise a notification mechanism configured to generate an alert when the reed switch is closed.

Disclosed herein is another variation of a reduced pressure therapy device that may comprise a suction device with a suction chamber and a slidable seal within the suction chamber, a magnet coupled to the slidable seal, and an alarm device comprising a sensor that is configured to detect the location of a magnet within the suction chamber. The alarm device may be configured to retain the suction device, and may also comprise a notification mechanism that is configured to generate an alert based on the location of the magnet. The alarm device may optionally comprise a tactile power switch configured to be pressed with the alarm device retains a suction device therein. The suction device may have a charged configuration and a depleted configuration. In the charged configuration, the magnet may not be detectable by the sensor, while in the depleted configuration, the magnet may be detectable by the sensor. In some variations, the alarm device is configured to detect the configuration of the suction device regardless of the orientation of the suction device within the alarm device. In some variations, the sensor may comprise a first reed switch at a first location and a second reed switch at a second location separate from the first location. The alarm device may retain the suction device such that in the charged configuration, the magnet is located between the first and second locations and not detectable by either reed switch, and in the depleted configuration, the magnet is detectable by at least one reed switch. Optionally, the first and second locations may define a first line with a first midpoint, wherein the travel path of the magnet from charged to depleted configurations define a second line with a second midpoint. The first and second midpoints are offset from each other. In some variations, the distance of the magnet to the nearest reed switch is less in the depleted configuration than in the charged configuration. The suction device may be retained in the alarm device in two or more orientations, e.g., four orientations. In one embodiment, the suction device may be retained within the alarm device in a first orientation and a second orientation, where the second orientation is the first orientation rotated 180 degrees around a transverse and/or longitudinal axis of the suction device. In another variation of a reduced pressure therapy device, the alarm device may comprise a reed switch at a proximal location of the alarm device, where the alarm device retains the suction device such that in the charged configuration, the magnet is not detectable by the reed switch, and in the depleted configuration, the magnet is detectable by the reed switch.

Disclosed herein is another variation of a reduced pressure therapy device that may comprise a suction chamber with a slidable seal therein, a magnetic element or magnet coupled to the slidable seal, a first alignment protrusion at a distal portion, and a second alignment protrusion at a proximal portion. The suction device may have a charged configuration and a depleted configuration, wherein the distance of the magnet to the first alignment protrusion in the charged configuration is greater than the distance of the magnet to the second alignment protrusion in the depleted configuration. In another variation of a reduced pressure therapy device, the distance of the magnet to the distal end of the suction chamber in the charged configuration is greater than the distance of the magnet to the proximal end of the suction chamber in the depleted configuration. jump

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of a variation of a reduced pressure therapy device in a mechanically uncharged and charged configuration, respectively; FIGS. 1C and 1D are superior and side elevational views of the device in FIGS. 1A and 1B in an activated and partially depleted state.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another variation of a suction device for reduced pressure therapy comprising a magnetic alarm system and an alarm device; FIGS. 2B and 2C are superior component views of the suction device and alarm device, in charged and depleted states, respectively.

FIG. 3A is a superior component view of another variation of a suction device in a mechanically charged configuration, comprising an alarm system with a magnetic sensor mechanism; FIG. 3B is a superior component of another variation of a suction device in a mechanically charged configuration with a magnetic sensor mechanism.

FIG. 4A depicts one variation of a suction device for reduced pressure therapy comprising an alarm system with an electric switch mechanism in a mechanically charged configuration; FIG. 4B is a depiction of the suction device of FIG. 4A in a depleted configuration; FIG. 4C is an anterior perspective component view of the suction device and an alarm device of FIG. 4A; FIG. 4D is a posterior perspective view of the suction device and alarm device of FIG. 4A with an alarm device; FIG. 4E is a side elevational view of the alarm device of FIG. 4C.

FIG. 5 depicts one example of a notification circuit that may be used an alarm system for reduced pressure therapy devices.

FIG. 6A is a schematic representation of a spring assembly in an extended configuration with a rotary sensor that may be used in a suction device; FIG. 6B depicts the spring assembly of FIG. 6A in a retracted configuration.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic depictions of a reed sensor in an open and a closed configuration, respectively.

FIG. 8 depicts another variation of a suction device for reduced pressure therapy comprising an alarm system with one or more reed sensors, where the slidable seal of the suction device comprises one or more magnets.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of one variation of an alarm system that may be used with reduced pressure therapy devices.

FIG. 10A depicts a block diagram representation of another variation of an alarm system that may be used with reduced pressure therapy devices. FIGS. 10B to 10D depict examples of circuits that may be implemented in the alarm system of FIG. 10A. FIG. 10B depicts one variation of an orientation circuit; FIG. 10C depicts one variation of a sensor circuit; FIG. 10D depicts one variation of an amplifier circuit.

FIG. 11 is a schematic of exemplary alarm system components as arranged on a printed circuit board.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of one variation of an alarm device. FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a suction device coupled to the alarm device of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13 is state machine diagram that depicts one variation of a state machine that may be programmed into a microcontroller of an alarm system that may be used with reduced pressure therapy devices.

FIG. 14A is a schematic representation of a suction device with a conductive element; FIG. 14B depicts a first orientation of the suction device of FIG. 14A; FIG. 14C depicts a second orientation of the suction device of FIG. 14A; FIG. 14D is a perspective view of a variation of a suction device with a conductive element; FIG. 14E is a perspective view of an alarm device with one or more connectors.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are perspective views of a variation of an alarm device that may be used with a suction device; FIG. 15C is a perspective view of one variation of a suction device that may be retained within the alarm device of FIGS. 15A and 15B; FIG. 15D is a superior view of the back of the attachment and suction devices of FIGS. 15A-15C.

FIG. 16A is an elevational component view of one variation of a suction device for reduced pressure wound therapy; FIG. 16B is a superior view of one variation of a fluid retention assembly comprising a pouch that may be used with the suction device of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of another variation of a fluid retention assembly comprising an absorbent pad and filter; FIG. 17B is a side view of the fluid retention assembly of FIG. 17A; FIG. 17C is a perspective view of the absorbent pad of the fluid retention assembly of FIG. 17A; FIG. 17C is top view of the filter of the fluid retention assembly of FIG. 17A; FIG. 17D is a top view of a mesh of the fluid retention assembly of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18A is a schematic depiction of a suction device with a fluid retention assembly comprising a pouch; FIG. 18B is a schematic depiction of a suction device with a fluid retention assembly comprising a mesh; FIG. 18C is a schematic depiction of a suction device with a fluid retention assembly comprising an absorbent pad; FIG. 18D is a schematic depiction of a suction device with a fluid retention assembly comprising a pouch and a mesh; FIG. 18E is a schematic depiction of a suction device with a fluid retention assembly comprising an absorbent pad and a mesh.

FIG. 19A is a schematic depiction of one orientation in which a suction device may be retained in an alarm device; FIGS. 19B and 19C are schematic depictions of the relative positioning between a suction device and an alarm device; FIG. 19D is a example of an alternate orientation in which a suction device may be retained in an alarm device.

FIG. 20 is a schematic depiction of another variation of an alarm device comprising a single sensor and a suction device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various types of reduced pressure therapy systems may be used depending on the severity of the tissue wound and the activity level of the patient. In some cases, reduced pressure tissue therapy systems may extract tissue exudates, e.g., wound exudates and interstitial fluids, while providing reduced pressure therapy. Some reduced pressure tissue therapy systems comprise a suction device with an open pressure supply, e.g., continuous electric pump. These systems typically are noisy, and their bulkiness and weight often restricts the mobility of a patient. Patients that desire greater mobility may use a reduced pressure tissue therapy system comprising a wearable suction device that does not rely on power from an electrical source, e.g., non-electrically powered.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one example of a wearable suction device 100 that may be used in reduced pressure tissue therapy. As depicted there, the suction device 100 may comprise a suction chamber 110, a suction generating mechanism (not shown), and a sliding seal assembly 160 that is movably retained in the suction chamber 110. One variation of a suction generating mechanism of the suction device 100 is depicted in FIGS. 1C and 1D, and may comprise one or more springs 195, and the proximal side of the sliding seal assembly 160 may be coupled to one or more springs 195. The springs 195 may be constant force springs, or any other type of springs that may be used to apply a force on the sliding seal assembly 160 in a proximal direction. The suction device 100 may also comprise a housing 102 that may retain the suction chamber 110. The housing 102 may comprise a proximal cap 130 with proximal opening 132 and a distal cap 120 with a distal port 142. In some variations, the distal cap 120 may comprise a tube fitting 140 configured for interfacing with a tube (e.g., a tube connected to a dressing) such that the tube is in fluid connection with the suction chamber. In some variations, the tube fitting 140 may be detachable from the distal cap 120. Negative pressure generated in the suction chamber 110 may be conveyed to a tissue site through a distal aperture in the suction chamber leading to the distal port 142 of the tube fitting 140. Tubing connected to the distal port 142 may allow the negative pressure to be directed to the tissue site and/or dressing. The suction device may also comprise an activation tool 190 that may be inserted through the proximal opening 132, where the activation tool 190 is configured to mechanically charge the suction device 100, for example, by urging the sliding seal assembly to certain positions in the suction chamber. In some variations, the activation tool 190 may be releasably snap-locked in the proximal opening 132, which may help secure the sliding sealing assembly 160 in a certain position within the suction chamber 110. For example, the activation tool 190 may comprise tabs 191 with protrusions 193 such that when the tabs 191 are released, the protrusions 193 may be engaged in one or more grooves in the proximal cap 130 at or near the proximal opening 132, thereby retaining the activation tool in the suction chamber. When the tabs 191 are pressed (e.g., squeezed), the protrusions 193 may disengage from the grooves and allow the activation tool 190 to be withdrawn from the proximal opening 132. FIG. 1A depicts the configuration of the suction device 100 before it is activated, where the sliding seal assembly 160 is located at a proximal portion 114 of the suction chamber, and where the activation tool 190 is inserted into the proximal opening 132 of the proximal cap 130 but has not yet displaced the sliding seal assembly 160. The suction chamber 110 may comprise a translucent or optically clear material, or an opaque material with or without a translucent or optically clear window.

FIG. 1B depicts the suction device 100 in a mechanically charged configuration. To mechanically charge the suction device 100, the activation tool 190 may be pushed through the proximal opening 132 to extend or distally displace the sliding seal assembly 160 from the proximal portion 114 of the suction chamber 110 to a distal portion 106 of the suction chamber 110. Depending upon the particular configuration, the activation tool 190 may be pushed until the sliding seal assembly 160 contacts a wall of the distal cap 120, until it is adjacent the distal end wall of the suction chamber 110, until the springs 195 are maximally extended, and/or until mechanical interference between the activation tool 190 and the proximal cap 130 resist further insertion. Urging the sliding seal assembly 160 to the distal position 106 as depicted in FIG. 1B may in turn extend the springs 195 that are attached to the proximal side of the sliding seal assembly. This may generate potential energy within the springs 195. Other variations of wearable suction devices that may be used in a reduced pressure tissue therapy system, as well as methods of using the systems and devices, are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/372,661, filed on Feb. 17, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Upon removal of the activation tool 190, the springs 195 are able to exert a proximally directed force onto the sliding seal assembly 160, which is capable of generating reduced pressure in the suction chamber 110 and transmitting the reduced pressure to a sealed wound enclosure coupled to the device 100. The reduced pressure is generated by expanding the volume of air initially located in a sealed enclosure or chamber of the device from a smaller volume of the chamber to a larger volume. Upon expansion of the air within the sealed enclosure, the density of the air molecules is decreased and the pressure within the sealed chamber is reduced to a sub-atmospheric level. As exudates and/or gaseous leakage occurs, the springs 195 will retract the sliding seal assembly 160, thereby maintaining the reduced pressure level within the collection chamber. In some variations, there may be a lubricant provided between the sliding seal assembly 160 and the internal walls of the suction chamber 110, which may help the sliding seal assembly to move smoothly and consistently across the suction chamber to generate negative pressure. As the sliding seal assembly 160 returns to its maximum retracted state, the level of reduced pressure level will begin to decrease and may be replaced or recharged.

FIGS. 1C and 1D are superior and side elevational views of the device from FIG. 1A in an activated state and with the springs 195 having partially expended the potential energy from the fully charged configuration. As can be seen when the sliding seal assembly 160 is in a partially expended position, the suction chamber 110 may be subdivided by the sliding seal assembly 160 into a collection chamber 162 and a working chamber 164, where the collection chamber 162 is the space between the sliding seal assembly 160 and the distal end wall 112 of the suction chamber 110, and the working chamber 164 is the space between the proximal end 114 of the suction chamber 110 and the sliding seal assembly 160 which contain the springs 195. When the suction device is in the charged configuration, the volume of the collection chamber may be about zero, or sometimes less than about 5 cc. In some instances, upon activation of the mechanically charged device, the collection chamber may increase in volume up to about 3%, sometimes about 5% and other times about 10% or even about 20% until the force exerted by the springs 195 is counterbalanced by the force generated by the reduced pressure in the collection chamber 162. In some variations, a suction device may be configured to apply a pre-determined amount of negative pressure. For example, the volume of the suction chamber and/or the spring constant of constant force springs may be selected in order to provide a pre-determined amount of pressure. Pre-determined pressure levels may range from −50 mmHg to −150 mmHg, e.g., −75 mmHg, −100 mmHg, −125 mmHg, etc.

Some variations of a reduced pressure therapy system may be configured to remove and store exudates located at the treatment site. Exudates are typically body fluids or mixed fluids and other cellular matter. In some variations, the device may be configured with a fluid retention mechanism to resist or prevent leakage of the exudates that have been suctioned into the suction chamber. For example, some fluid retention mechanisms may be configured to sequester exudates within a certain portion of the suction device, regardless of the orientation of the suction device. This may help to reduce the risk of contamination to users or healthcare personnel and their surroundings during use and/or disposal. In some variations, the fluid retention mechanism may be configured to prevent exudates that have been drawn into the suction device from flowing out of the suction device. For example, a fluid retention mechanism may be configured to allow exudates to flow in one direction (e.g., into the suction device), but not in the opposite direction (e.g., out of the suction device). In some variations, a suction device may have a fluid retention assembly in its suction chamber, where the fluid retention assembly may comprise an absorbent material so that when the exudates come into contact with the absorbent material, it is absorbed by the material and retained and/or sequestered within the suction chamber. Optionally, the fluid retention assembly may also comprise a screen or mesh that may be used to sequester the absorbent material in a certain portion of the suction chamber. The screen or mesh may also help to prevent the absorbent material from moving around and/or exiting the suction chamber, and in some variations, may also help to prevent exudates collected in the suction chamber from exiting the chamber through the distal port or inlet.

Absorbent materials that may be used in a fluid retention assembly may be selected according to the expected viscosity (or other liquid characteristic) and/or quantity of the exudates. Certain absorbent materials may also be selected based on the desired absorption capacity. The absorption capacity of the material may be maintained under negative and/or positive pressure conditions. Some variations of an absorption material may hygroscopic, and may be able to absorb vapor. The fluid absorption material may be permeable to air, such that the negative pressure generated by the suction device may be conveyed to the wound without substantial hindrance. Suitable absorbent materials may be selected from natural, synthetic, and modified natural polymers and materials. Absorbent materials may be inorganic or organic materials, such as sodium acrylic-based polymers, silica gels, cross-linked polymers, etc. Other examples of absorbent materials may include gauze, pulp, sponges, foams, desiccated hydrogels, and cross-linked polyprotic resins. Suitable absorbent materials may be available from various commercial vendors, such as Dow Chemical Company located in Midland, Mich., U.S.A., and Stockhausen GmbH & Co. KG, D-47805 Krefeld, Federal Republic of Germany. Other examples of absorbent materials may include starch-acrylonitrile co-polymers, carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC), acrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and isobutylene maleic anhydride (IMA), as well as various foams, including XTRASORB™. Some variations of a fluid retention assembly may use a superabsorbent material, which may be capable of retaining an amount of water equal to at least 100% of its dry weight (e.g., as measured by the test of Intrinsic Absorbent Capacity). In some of the foregoing embodiments, the superabsorbent material may be Isolyser™ by Microtek Medical. Other examples of absorbent materials that may be used with a fluid retention assembly for a suction device may include sodium polyacrylate with sodium dichloro-S-triazinetrione dihydrate, cellulose based substrates, AQUA KEEP® polymer products, etc.

In some variations, the fluid absorbent material may have a first non-hydrated state and a second hydrated state, where in the non-hydrated state the absorbent material may occupy a smaller volume than when in the hydrated state. For example, the absorbent material may expand as it absorbs fluids and transitions from the non-hydrated to hydrated configuration. In some variations, the absorbent material in the non-hydrated state may be powder-like, and in the hydrated state, the absorbent material may be gel-like, or may be a solid or a semi-solid. In other variations, the absorbent material may be a planar sheet or pad that thickens or expands as it absorbs fluid. The fluid absorbent material may be a porous material (e.g. a sponge, foam, textile, etc), and may be a planar or three dimensional porous matrix. An absorbent material that is a planar pad may have a first thickness in the non-hydrated state, and a second thickness in the hydrated state, where the second thickness is greater than the first thickness. Alternatively or additionally, the absorbent material may comprise loose components such as pellets, spheres, granules, clusters, powder, and the like. The particle sizes may range from about 20 μm to about 500 μm, for example, about 20 μm to 30 μm, or about 200 μm to 300 μm, or about 350 μm to 390 μm in the non-hydrated state. The absorbent material may also take the form of a collapsed woven material, such as a textile, or compressed polymer or sponge or porous matrix in its non-hydrated state. In the expanded hydrated state, the absorbent material may expand, and may be enlarged pellets or clusters, an expanded textile or sponge or porous matrix. In some cases, the absorbent material in the hydrated state may be a solid, a semi-solid, or a gel. Some variations of absorbent materials may decompose as it absorbs fluids. In some examples, the fluid absorbent material may be a volume neutral material, wherein the total volume of the separate fluid and separate absorbent material is approximately the same volume of the fluid and absorbent material when intermixed. For example, the separated total volumes and the intermixed volume may be equal, or at least within 5% or 10% of each other. In other examples, the fluid absorbent material may be a volume increasing material, wherein the intermixed volume is at least 15% or 25% or more than the total separated volumes.

The amount of absorbent material that is provided in the suction chamber may be limited by the dimensions of the collection chamber of a charged suction device. In some embodiments, the absorbent material may occupy a volume of less than about 10 cc, about 5 cc or about 4 cc. In other embodiments, the volume of the absorbent material may be characterized by the maximum volume of the chamber in which it resides. For example, the absorbent material may less than about 25%, about 20%, about 15%, or about 10% of the chamber volume. In some embodiments, the amount of absorbent material may be between 0.5 g to 4 g. In some embodiments, the amount of absorbent material may be between 0.5 g to 2.5 g. In some embodiments, the amount of absorbent material may be between 0.5 g to 1.75 g. In some embodiments, the amount of absorbent material may be about 1.5 g. In some embodiments, the amount of absorbent material may be at least 1 g. In some embodiments, the amount of absorbent material may be at most 2 g. In some embodiments, the amount of absorbent material may be at most 3 g. In some embodiments, the amount of absorbent material may be at most 4 g.

Optionally, some variations of a fluid retention assembly may comprise a disinfectant, which may help to sanitize exudates that enter the collection chamber. For example, the disinfectant may be attached to, bonded to, embedded in, cross-linked with and/or otherwise incorporated with the absorbent material. In other examples, the disinfectant may be freely disposed within the collection chamber, or may be attached to other structures, such as the slidable seal assembly. The disinfectant may be anti-bacterial (e.g. bacteriostatic or bacteriocidal), anti-viral, anti-fungal, and/or anti-parasitic. Some examples of disinfectant compounds that may be used in a fluid retention system may include chlorhexidine, sodium hypochlorite, sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione dehydrate (or other chlorine-based disinfectant), a sulfonamide, silver sulfadiazine, polyhexanide. In some variations, the absorbent material itself may also act as a disinfectant. For example, a fluid retention assembly may use a liquid medical waste solidifier, such as Isolyser LTS-Plus® Solidifier or Isosorb® Solidifier by Microtek Medical. Optionally, the fluid retention assembly may also comprise a deodorizer, such as zeolite, activated charcoal, silica gel, or hydrogen peroxide. In some variations, the disinfectant treat the collected exudates such that the expended device may be disposed as regular trash, rather than as biohazardous waste.

A fluid retention assembly may be installed in the suction chamber of a suction device in a variety of configurations. Fluid retention assemblies may comprise an absorbent material that may be sequestered in a portion of the suction chamber, temporarily or permanently. For example, a fluid retention assembly may comprise an absorbent pad or sheet that may be attached to the walls of the suction chamber so that it does not move within the suction chamber as the suction device changes orientation. Alternatively or additionally, a fluid retention assembly may comprise a screen (e.g., a mesh, filter, etc.) that may be attached at a distal portion of the suction chamber. For example, the screen may be attached within the distal portion of the suction chamber, just proximal to a distal portion leading to the distal port of the suction device. In some fluid retention assemblies, the absorbent material may be retained by a carrier structure, e.g. bonded to a surface of a supporting sheet or other structure, or enclosed in a pouch or other container. The pouch may freely move within the suction chamber, or may be attached to any desired region of suction chamber such that it remains at the desired region despite any changes in the orientation of the suction device. A fluid retention assembly may comprise a combination of one or more of the above described components, as may be desirable. For example, a fluid retention assembly may comprise absorbent materials enclosed in a pouch, where the pouch is sequestered to a portion of the suction chamber by one or more screens. A fluid retention assembly may comprise an absorbent pad or sheet that may be temporarily or permanently secured within the suction chamber using adhesives and/or one or more screens. Various examples of fluid retention assemblies are described below.

In some variations, the absorbent material of a fluid retention assembly may be retained by a carrier structure, such as a pouch. In some variations, the absorbent material may be enclosed in an internal pouch made of a semi-permeable membrane. This internal pouch may help to prevent the fluid absorption material from obstructing or clogging the various valve and/or conduits of the suction device. A pouch 1804 may be temporarily or permanently attached to any portion of the suction device, for example, in a distal portion of a suction chamber 1800 (toward the distal port 1802), as depicted in FIG. 18A. In some variations, the pouch may be located adjacent to the internal opening of the distal port 1802. The absorbent material may be surrounded by and enclosed in a liquid permeable membrane to form an absorbent bag. The membrane may be a mesh, filter, screen, molecular sieve, and the like. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials for the liquid permeable membrane may include woven and nonwoven polyester, polypropylene, nylon, rayon or the like, particularly in the form of formed or apertured thermoplastic films, including those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,324,246 issued to Mullane and Smith on Apr. 13, 1982 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,342,314 issued to Radel and Thompson on Aug. 3, 1982. Other known semi-permeable membrane materials can be employed, including those made from textured cellulosic basesheets with hydrophobic matter added to selected portions of the basesheet, particularly the most elevated portions of the basesheet, as described in commonly owned copending U.S. application, “Dual-zoned Absorbent Webs”, Ser. No. 08/997,287, filed Dec. 22, 1997. In some of the foregoing embodiments, an outer surface of the liquid permeable membrane may be treated with a surfactant to improve liquid penetration, and may have gradients in wettability created having different chemical treatments on the two surfaces of the topsheet, such that fluid is preferentially absorbed in targeted intake regions and repelled by other regions. In some of the foregoing embodiments, the liquid permeable membrane may comprise at least one seam wherein at least two sections of the membrane are joined together. In some embodiments, the expansion of the absorbent material within the liquid permeable membrane may result in the rupture of the liquid-permeable membrane. In certain embodiments, the absorbent material may be expelled upon rupture of at least one seam of the liquid-permeable membrane.

In some of the foregoing embodiments, a semi-permeable membrane of a fluid retention assembly may contain the absorbent material and help to isolate the material from contacting the suction device. The semi-permeable membrane may allow fluids to cross the membrane in one direction, but not in the other direction. For example, a semi-permeable membrane pouch containing absorbent material inside may allow exudates to be drawn by the absorbent material into the pouch, while the semi-permeable membrane prevents the exudates from flowing out of the pouch. The membrane may be permeable to air, as may be desirable. In some variations, a fluid retention assembly may comprise a pouch made of a fluid impermeable material that is directly connected to the distal portion of the suction device. Negative pressure may be generated in the pouch and conveyed to the tissue site. Any exudates collected by the pouch during negative pressure therapy may be retained such that exudates do not contact the walls of the suction chamber. When the suction device is depleted, the pouch may be removed from the suction device and discarded.

Optionally, some variations of a fluid retention assembly may comprise a screen or mesh positioned near the distal end of the suction chamber to retain the absorption material within a certain region of the suction device. The screen or mesh may prevent or resist the extrusion or release of the absorbent material from the suction chamber, which may occur during patient movement and/or recharging of the device. For example, a screen or mesh may be semi-permeable, which may allow exudates to be collected in a suction chamber, but may prevent the exudates from exiting the distal port of the suction chamber. In some variations, the screen or mesh may be air and fluid permeable, but not fluid absorbent. FIG. 18B schematically depicts a suction chamber 1800 with a distal port 1802, and a screen 1806 proximal to the distal port 1802. In some variations, a fluid retention assembly may comprise a plurality of screens or meshes, arranged such that the absorbent material is constrained between two screens. In some variations, the screen or mesh may block movement of particles of a certain size and/or liquid or semi-solid of a certain viscosity, while allowing smaller particles and liquids to pass therethrough. The screen or mesh may be provided over the distal portion of the suction chamber, for example, the screen may be attached over a distal valve of the suction device leading to the tissue treatment area. Suction devices that use an absorbent material that has discrete components in its non-hydrated state, such as powder, pellets, loosely associated particles, may have such a screen or mesh to help prevent the material from exiting the suction chamber.

The screen or mesh may have a sieve size large enough to permit the fluid exchange of liquid and air through the mesh, but small enough to not allow solids or semi-solids to pass through. The mesh may have two sides, a proximal and a distal side. The proximal side faces the sliding seal assembly while the distal side faces the distal end of the chamber. In some embodiments, the sieve size of the mesh may be less than 5 mm. In some embodiments, the sieve size of the mesh may be less than 2 mm. In some embodiments, the sieve size of the mesh may be less than 1 mm. In some embodiments, the sieve size of the mesh may be less than 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, the sieve size of the mesh may be less than 10 mm. The mesh may comprise any of a variety of materials, including a metal (e.g. steel, copper), a ceramic, or a plastic (e.g. polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, polyamide or other thermoplastic.

Some fluid retention assemblies may use a screen or mesh made of a woven or a fibrous material. For example, the screen may be made from random-laid fibers (e.g., from wood pulp) using water or air to transfer the fibers. After the fibers have been air or liquid laid, synthetic resin bonding agents may be applied to the pulp web using a spray process. Meshes that may be used in a fluid retention assembly may be made of Airtex® airlaid fabrics, which may be obtained from Georgia-Pacific (Neenah, Wis.).

Other variations of fluid retention assemblies may comprise an absorbent material that has a self-contained form (e.g., a porous matrix, sponge, gauze, pad, foam, etc.). The absorbent material may be permeable to air, as may be desirable. In some examples, the absorbent material may be woven or non-woven sponges or gauze, and/or may be made of a porous material. In some variations, the absorbent material may be permeable to air, as may be desirable. The absorbent material may be made of any of the materials previously described. In some variations, the absorbent material may be retained by a carrier structure. For example, the absorbent material may be immobilized in a substrate (e.g., impregnated or woven into a matrix, adsorbed to a porous matrix, etc.). In some variations, the absorbent material may be bonded to the carrier structure and/or integrated with the substrate matrix. The absorbent material may or may not be sterile. Fluid retention assemblies comprising such absorbent materials may or may not include a screen or mesh to prevent movement of the absorbent material as the suction device changes orientation. An absorbent material, e.g., an absorbent pad 1808, may be temporarily or permanently attached at any desirable portion of the suction device, for example, at a distal portion of the suction chamber 1800, as depicted in FIG. 18C. The self-contained absorbent material may be retained in the suction chamber by adhesion, friction fit, and the like, and/or may conform to the cross-sectional geometry of the suction chamber (e.g., form fit).

Fluid retention assemblies may comprise any combination of the features described above. For example, a fluid retention assembly may comprise a screen 1812 attached at a distal portion of the suction chamber 1800 (e.g., covering the distal port 1802) and a pouch 1810 comprising an absorbent material enclosed in a semi-permeable membrane, as depicted in FIG. 18D. The screen 1812 may have a smaller cross-sectional area than that of the suction chamber 1800. In other variations, a fluid retention assembly may comprise a screen 1816 attached at a distal portion of the suction chamber 1800 just proximal to the distal port 1802 and a porous matrix 1814 attached to the walls of the suction chamber 1800, just proximal to the screen, as illustrated in FIG. 18E. The screen 1816 may have a similarly sized cross-sectional area as compared to the suction chamber 1800. In still other variations, a fluid retention assembly may comprise a porous matrix attached to the side walls of the suction chamber at a distal portion of the chamber, and a pouch comprising an absorbent material enclosed in a semi-permeable membrane proximal to the porous matrix. Alternatively, the porous matrix may be located proximal to the absorbent pouch. The components of the fluid retention assemblies described here may be arranged in any order, as may be suitable (e.g., the pouch or porous matrix may be distal to the screen). While retention assemblies comprising a single screen or filter have been described here, in some variations, there may be more than one screen. Additional screens may be helpful for sequestering the absorbent material in one or more selected regions of the suction chamber, and may provide for additional filtration of exudates, as may be desired.

One example of a suction device with a fluid retention assembly is depicted in FIGS. 16A and 16B. Suction device 1600 may have a fluid retention assembly comprising a pouch 1602 configured to retain a fluid absorbent material, an air and liquid-permeable screen or mesh 1604 between the pouch 1602 and a distal port 1607, and optionally one or more adhesive tabs 1606 to attach the pouch 1602 to the mesh, and/or to attach the mesh 1604 to the distal portion of the suction chamber 1605. The pouch 1602 may comprise a semi-permeable membrane (e.g., an air and liquid permeable membrane) so that the absorbent material in the pouch may draw exudates into the pouch. In some variations, the semi-permeable membrane may be configured to help reduce leakage of exudates out of the pouch. The absorbent material in the pouch may be any of the materials previously described. The pouch and mesh may or may not have a shape that corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the suction device (e.g., the cross-section of the suction chamber). FIG. 16B depicts an enlarged view of the pouch 1602, which has an elliptical shape corresponding to the elliptical shape of the suction chamber 1605. The pouch 1602 may comprise a sealed opening, or a perimeter seal 1603 between two layers of the pouch, which may help to retain the fluid absorbent material in the pouch prior to use. In some variations, upon absorption of a sufficient amount of fluid into the pouch, the sealed opening or the perimeter seal 1603 may be configured to open or separate, permitting expansion and/or release of the fluid absorption material into the rest of the suction chamber. In some other variations, the sealed opening or the perimeter seal 1603 may also be used to help temporarily or permanently secure the pouch 1602 to a location in the suction chamber, e.g., the proximal or distal side, so that the pouch 1602 does not move within the suction device chamber. Optionally, the fluid retention assembly may comprise additional meshes, which may be used to secure the pouch and/or to filter exudates. For example, an additional mesh may be provided on other proximal side of pouch 1602, across from the mesh 1604, where the two meshes may act to retain the pouch 1602 between them. Additional descriptions of suction devices and fluid absorption materials that may be used within a suction device are provided in U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 61/372,837, filed on Aug. 11, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some of the foregoing embodiments the pouch may be placed in the suction chamber in contact with the proximal side of the mesh in a way that permits air and liquid to fluidly exchange from one side of the mesh to the other.

Another example of a fluid retention assembly 1700 is depicted in FIGS. 17A-17C. The fluid retention assembly 1700 may comprise an absorbent pad 1702 at a proximal location, a first adhesive layer 1704, a mesh or screen 1706, and a second adhesive layer 1708 at a distal location. The absorbent pad may be made of any of the absorbent materials described previously. The fluid retention assembly 1700 may be located towards a distal portion of the suction device, such that the absorbent pad 1702 faces the suction chamber, and the second adhesive layer faces the distal-most portion of the suction device. For example, the fluid retention assembly 1700 may be placed at a distal portion of the suction chamber, over the internal aperture of the distal port of the suction device. The first and second adhesive layers 1704, 1708 may be made of any suitable adhesive, such as pressure sensitive adhesives, and may have adhesive properties on both sides. The first adhesive layer 1704 may be used to attach the absorbent pad 1702 to the screen 1706. The second adhesive layer 1706 may be used to attach the screen 1706 to a distal surface of the suction device. As depicted in the side view of FIG. 17B, the second adhesive layer 1708 may optionally have an additional release liner layer 1707, which may allow the fluid retention assembly 1700 to be manufactured separately from the suction device, and then subsequently attached to the device prior to use. The screen 1706 may be made from any air or liquid permeable material, such as the screen materials described above.

The second adhesive layer 1708 may have an aperture 1709 (and the first adhesive layer 1704 may have a corresponding aperture which is not shown). In some variations, the aperture 1709 may facilitate the flow of suction through the fluid retention assembly 1700. In other variations, one or more adhesive structures or regions may be provided that need not attach the entire distal surface or entire perimeter of the fluid retention assembly to the suction chamber. The one or more adhesive structures may or may not be located over an opening of the suction chamber. As depicted in FIG. 17C, the absorbent pad 1702 may also have an aperture 1710 that is aligned with the adhesive layer aperture 1709. As shown in FIG. 17D, the screen 1706 may not have an aperture, and therefore, the screen 1706 spans across the adhesive and absorbent pad apertures 1709, 1710. However, since the screen may be made of an air and liquid permeable material, the negative pressure generated in the suction chamber may be conveyed to a distal wound bed. The mesh size of the screen 1706 may be selected such that particles larger than the mesh size may not pass between the wound and the suction chamber. For example, wound exudates with blood material that is substantially liquid may pass from the wound to the suction chamber, but after the blood has clotted in the suction chamber, it cannot pass from the chamber back to the wound bed. Optionally, one or more additional screens may be provided to provide additional filtration of exudates and/or to secure the absorbent pad 1702, as may be desirable. For example, an additional screen may be provided on a proximal side of the absorbent pad 1702, thereby retaining the absorbent between the additional screen and the screen 1706. Other variations of a fluid retention assembly may not have any screens, which may allow for the exchange of materials between the wound bed and the suction chamber.

Some variations of suction devices may comprise one or more indicators to inform a patient and/or practitioner when the device needs to be replaced (e.g., when the suction device is in a depleted state and no longer able to generate negative pressure). Visual indicators may be provided to indicate the state of the suction device, i.e., fully charged, at least partially charged or depleted, or fully depleted. Visual indicators may allow the position of the sliding seal assembly within the suction chamber to be readily identified. For example, the suction device may display a certain color to indicate that it is fully charged or at least partially charged or partially depleted, and a different color to indicate that it is fully depleted. In one variation, the sliding seal assembly may have a first portion that is colored green, and a second portion that is colored red. The suction chamber may comprise opaque and transparent portions that reveal certain portions of the sliding seal assembly as the suction device generates negative pressure. In some variations, the suction chamber may comprise an opaque material with one or more translucent or optically clear windows that may be used to view the location and/or colors of the sliding seal assembly within the suction chamber. For example, when the suction device is fully or partially charged, the green portion of the sliding seal assembly may be visible in an optically clear window, while the red portion is obscured by the opaque portion of the suction chamber. The green portion of the sliding seal assembly may allow a patient and/or practitioner to readily determine the depletion state of the suction device based on the location of the sliding seal assembly in the suction chamber. When the suction device is depleted and no longer able to generate any negative pressure, the red portion of the sliding seal assembly may become visible while the green portion may be obscured. In other variations, the sliding seal assembly may have additional colors to indicate intermediate levels of depletion. For example, the sliding seal assembly may have a first green portion, a second red portion, and a third yellow portion. The suction chamber may comprise opaque and transparent portions that reveal only the green portion of the sliding seal when the suction device is fully charged, only the yellow portion when the suction device is partially charged or partially depleted, and only the red portion when the suction device is fully depleted. Alternatively, the sliding seal assembly may have a single color or pattern that is readily visible through the suction chamber (e.g., having bright intensity, high contrast, highly noticeable visual attributes including contrasting edges, patterns, stripes, etc.). In some variations, the sliding seal assembly may have arrows or other symbols that may be used in combination with indicia on the suction chamber to indicate capacity of the device to generate negative pressure. Examples of suction devices with such visual indicators are described below.

Additionally or alternatively, certain variations of a suction device may comprise an alarm system to inform a patient and/or practitioner when the device needs to be recharged or replaced. For example, an alarm system may generate an alert to inform a patient and/or practitioner that a suction device is exhausted or nearly exhausted of its ability to provide negative pressure to a wound, and may prompt the patient to recharge the device, empty or replace the collection chamber, and/or replace the suction device. Once the suction device has been recharged, emptied, or replaced, the alert generated by the alarm system may be deactivated and/or reset. An alarm system may also provide confirmation to the patient and/or practitioner that the suction device has been properly initialized or charged.

In some examples, the alarm systems for use with a suction device may comprise a sensor mechanism and a notification mechanism. The sensor mechanism may directly or indirectly detect the capability of a suction device to continue to provide negative pressure, and may signal the notification mechanism to generate an alarm. For example, an alarm system may directly measure the pressure that is applied to the wound, while other sensor mechanisms detect indirect device configurations that are related to the pressure that is applied to the wound. Examples of sensor mechanisms that directly measure the pressure applied to the wound, and/or directly measure the capability of the suction device to provide negative pressure may include pressure transducers or gauges. Examples of sensor mechanisms that indirectly measure the pressure applied to the wound may include position detectors, proximity detectors, or mechanisms that are otherwise sensitive or responsive to the location of a slidable seal of the suction device. These may include, for example, linear encoders, rotary encoders, liquid sensors, volume sensors, and movement sensors, and the like. Some variations of sensor mechanisms may be configured to detect the configuration of the suction generating mechanism. For example, sensors may be used to measure the tension and/or coil state of the constant force springs of a suction mechanism. In some variations, sensor mechanisms may provide a binary output, i.e., indicating that the suction device is either charged or depleted, while in other variations, sensor mechanisms may provide a graded output, i.e., indicating that the suction device is 100%, 80%, 50%, 30%, 10%, 0%, charged or depleted. Examples of binary type sensor mechanisms may include a variety of switches, such as electrical or magnetic switches. Examples of graded type sensor mechanisms may include various encoders, such as linear or rotary encoders.

One or more types of notification mechanisms may be used in an alarm system for use with a suction device. Notification mechanisms may comprise visual alerts, audio alerts, electronic alerts, and/or tactile alerts. Examples of notification mechanisms may include LED activation, buzzers, tones, e-mail messages, text messages, vibratory mechanisms, etc. An alarm system may comprise a plurality of sensors, which may each drive one or more notification mechanisms. For example, an alarm system may comprise a first sensor to detect that the suction device is properly charged, where the first sensor is configured to trigger a first notification mechanism, e.g., LED activation. The alarm system may comprise a second sensor to detect that the suction device is depleted (or depleted beyond a pre-determined threshold), where the second sensor is configured to trigger a second notification mechanism, e.g., a buzzer. An alarm system may comprise any number of sensor mechanisms and/or notification mechanism as may be desirable to inform a patient and/or practitioner of the use and configuration of the suction device.

The components of an alarm system may be located on one or more components of a suction device, e.g. on the suction device, and/or may be located on a strap, clip or housing of an attachment device that may be used to attach the suction device to the patient. The location(s) of the alarm system components on the suction device and/or attachment device may be selected such that the components work in combination when the suction device is coupled to the attachment device. The alarm system may be integrated with the suction device and attachment device, or may be detachably coupled to the suction and attachment devices. In some cases, the location of the alarm system components may be determined in part by the location of the alarm system power source, as well as by the frequency with which the suction device or the attachment clip are replaced. For example, if the suction device is replaced more frequently than the attachment device, then it may be desirable for the reusable components of the alarm system (e.g., notification mechanism, sensor mechanism, battery pack, etc.) to be located on the attachment device. An alarm device may comprise an attachment device with an alarm system. Any alarm system components that may come in contact with body fluids may also be separated from the other components to prevent contamination of the other components. For example, portions of the sensor mechanism may contact exudates collected in the suction chamber, and may be segregated and/or detachable from the notification mechanism. In some variations, portions of both the sensor and the notification mechanisms may be located on the suction device and the attachment device. For example, alert component(s) of the notification mechanism may be located on the attachment device while a trigger component of the notification mechanism may be located on the suction device, where the trigger component activates the alert component when the suction device attains a certain configuration. In some variations, the sensor and/or notification mechanisms of an alarm system may be detachably coupled to the suction device and/or attachment device. This may allow the alarm system to be removed after the suction device is depleted. The alarm system may then be used with a new suction device (e.g., a charged suction device). The configuration of the alarm system and its arrangement with respect to the suction device and/or attachment device may be varied according to the needs of the patient and/or the practitioner.

Examples of alarm system mechanisms that may be used with a suction device for reduced pressure wound therapy are described below. While the components of the alarm system may be described in certain locations and configurations, it should be understood that the components may be in alternate locations and configurations as desired.

Some variations of alarm systems may comprise a magnetic sensor that is able to detect the position and/or location of a magnetic component. A magnetic component may itself generate a magnetic field, and/or may be any material that is capable of causing a detectable flux in a magnetic field (e.g., a wire carrying a changing an electric current), and/or may be any material that responds to the presence of a magnetic field (e.g., a ferromagnetic material). The movement and/or location of a magnetic component may activate a sensor by causing a potential difference in the sensor, which is known as the Hall effect. Magnetic sensors may comprise Hall effect detection elements that measure the potential difference caused by a moving magnet to determine the position of the magnet. The potential difference may indicate the precise location of the magnet with respect to the location of the magnetic sensor. One or more components of a suction device may comprise a magnetic component, and the position and/or location of the magnetic component may be detected by a magnetic sensor on the suction device or an alarm device. For example, a sliding seal assembly of a suction device may comprise a magnetic component, and a magnetic sensor on the alarm device may determine the location of the sliding seal assembly by detecting the location of the magnetic component. Alternatively, an alarm device may comprise one or more magnetic components at certain locations and the suction device may comprise a magnetic sensor. For example, an alarm device may comprise a magnetic component (e.g., along or embedded in an attachment clip or side wall), and a sliding seal assembly of a suction device may comprise a magnetic sensor. As the sliding seal assembly moves along the suction device, the sensor detects the location of the sliding seal assembly with respect to the magnetic components in alarm device. The position of the magnetic component relative to the sensor may be determined based on the magnetic characteristics of the magnetic component and a measured potential difference in a sensor caused by the movement of that magnetic component. The sensor voltage may be amplified and activate a notification mechanism on the alarm device to generate an alarm that informs the patient and/or practitioner of the status of the suction device. In some variations, the notification mechanism may comprise a thresholding function that converts an output from a graded type sensor into a binary alert, e.g., generating an alert only when the device is depleted past a certain threshold.

One variation of a suction device 200 with an alarm system using a magnetic sensor mechanism is depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C. The suction device 200 is configured to be retained by an alarm device comprising a clip 210 and a strap (not shown). As depicted in FIG. 2B, the sliding seal 202 of the suction device 200 may comprise a magnetic material 204. One or more magnetic sensors 206 and 208 may be provided to detect the location of the sliding seal 202 using the magnetic material 204. The location of the magnetic sensors 206 and 208 may be configured to facilitate detection of one or more states. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the first magnetic sensor 206 may be located at a proximal portion 207 of the clip 210 to detect when the sliding seal 202 is in a retracted position, which is indicative of the exhaustion or near exhaustion of the suction device 200. Another sensor 208 may be located in a distal portion 205 of the clip 210, for example, to detect that the sliding seal 202 has been adequately displaced by the activation tool, e.g., during the mechanical charging process. The magnetic sensors 206, 208 may be configured to detect the presence of absence of the magnetic material 204, and may be configured to provide a binary output to indicate the position of the magnetic material. Alternatively, the magnetic sensors 206, 208 may be configured to detect the proximity of the magnetic material 204, and may be configured to provide a graded output to indicate the position and proximity of the magnetic material to the sensors. The power source for the magnetic sensors 206, 208 may be a battery embedded within the clip 210.

Optionally, the suction device 200 may comprise a visual indicator such that a patient and/or practitioner can determine the depletion state of the suction device by visual inspection. For example, the sliding seal 202 may have a first region that is colored green and a second portion that is colored red. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the suction chamber 220 of the suction device 200 may comprise an opaque portion 222, a first transparent portion 224, and a second transparent portion 226. The first transparent portion 224 may extend longitudinally from a distal portion to a proximal portion along the suction chamber 220. The width of the first transparent portion 224 may be such that the green region of the sliding seal 202 is exposed, while the red region of the sliding seal is obscured by the opaque portion 222. As the sliding seal 202 moves from a distal portion to a proximal portion of the suction chamber 220 (i.e., as the suction device transitions from a fully charged or partially charged state to a depleted state), the location of the green region as seen along the first transparent portion 224 may indicate the degree to which the suction device is depleted. When the suction device 200 is fully depleted, the sliding seal 202 may be co-localized with the second transparent portion 226, such that the red region of the sliding seal is visible in the second transparent portion 226 while the green region of the sliding seal is obscured. As depicted in FIG. 2A, the first transparent portion 224 may be longitudinally disposed with an oblong geometry and the second transparent portion 226 may be transversely disposed with a curved elongated geometry. However, it should be understood that the transparent portions may be located anywhere on the suction device and may have any size or shape as suitable for cooperating with the markings on the sliding seal to provide a visual indicator of the state of the suction device. Such a visual indicator mechanism may be used alone or in combination with any of the alarm systems described herein.

The output of an indicator or sensor mechanism may be used to generate an alert. In some variations, the output voltage of a magnetic sensor may be amplified in order to drive notification mechanisms and/or circuits. For example, the magnetic sensor may comprise a Hall effect sensing mechanism whose output voltage or current may be amplified to drive one or more notification mechanisms. Each magnetic sensor may activate independent notification mechanisms, and/or may signal a shared notification mechanism. As an example, the first magnetic sensor 206 may activate a first notification mechanism when the magnetic component 204 of the sliding seal 202 is located at or near the proximal portion 207 of the clip, and the second magnetic sensor 208 may activate a second notification mechanism that is distinct from the first notification mechanism when the sliding seal 202 is located at or near the proximal portion 207 of the clip. In some variations, the voltage outputs of the first and second magnetic sensors 206 and 208 may be inputs to a logic circuit that computes the location of the sliding seal 202 when it is between the distal portion 205 and the proximal portion 207 of the clip. The result of this logic circuit may be used to activate a third notification mechanism. For example, when a fully charged suction device 200 is attached to the clip 210, the first notification mechanism may be activated by the first magnetic sensor 206, and issue a first visual and/or audio alert. As the suction device 200 is used to apply negative pressure to a tissue region, the third notification mechanism may be activated by the first and second magnetic sensors 206 and 208, and issue a second visual and/or audio alert when the sliding seal 202 is halfway between the distal portion 205 and the proximal portion 207 of the clip 210. When the suction device 200 is exhausted or depleted, the second notification mechanism may be activated by the second magnetic sensor 208, and issue a third visual and/or audio alert. Some magnetic sensors may provide a binary output that indicates whether or not the sliding seal is at the location of the sensor or not, while other magnetic sensors may provide a graded output that indicates how far away the sliding seal is from the sensor. In some alarm systems, a plurality of binary type sensors may approximate the functional output of a graded type sensor. For example, while clip 210 is shown to have two magnetic sensors, it should be understood that other variations of alarm devices may have any number of magnetic sensors, e.g., there may be 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12 or more magnetic sensors to detect the position of the sliding seal.

One example of a binary type sensor is a magnetic field sensitive switch, which may be configured to activate a notification mechanism in the presence of a magnetic field. Such binary type magnetic field sensitive switches change between an open and closed configuration according to the proximity of magnet. One example of a magnetic field sensitive switch is a reed switch, which is schematically depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B. A reed switch 700 comprises a first electrical contact 702 on a first ferrous metal reed 706, and a second electrical contact 708 on a second ferrous metal reed 710. In the absence of a magnetic field, e.g., when a magnet 712 is some distance away from a central region 701 of the reed switch 700, the ferrous metal reeds 706, 710 and the associated electrical contacts 702, 708 may be in an open configuration such that the electrical contacts 702, 708 are separated by a distance, i.e., not touching or contacting each other. In the presence of a magnetic field, e.g., when the magnet 712 is in proximity of or within the central region 701 of the reed switch 700, the ferrous metal reeds 706, 710 may move according to the field and cause the electrical contacts 702, 708 to touch, thus closing the reed switch 700. In other variations, reed switches may be in a closed configuration in the absence of a magnetic field, and transition to an open configuration in the presence of a magnetic field. While a reed switch is described here, other examples of binary magnetic field sensitive switches may include proximity switches, speed switches, and the like. Any type of binary type magnetic field sensitive switches, as well as graded type magnetic field sensitive detectors, may be used to detect the presence of a magnet, as appropriate.

One example of a suction device 230 with an alarm system using a magnetic field sensitive switch is depicted in FIG. 8, which illustrates the suction device 230 in a depleted configuration, e.g., just prior to charging with a key. As depicted there, the sliding seal 232 of the suction device comprises a magnet 234. The magnet 234 may be located on one side of the sliding seal 232 (e.g., the right side 253), but may also be located in the center of the sliding seal, or may extend along the entire length of the sliding seal, for example, similar to the magnetic component 204 depicted in FIGS. 2A to 2C. The magnet may be located on the superior portion 250 of the sliding seal (as depicted in FIG. 8), on the inferior portion 251, and/or the left side 252 and/or right side 253 (e.g., the left or right edge) of the sliding seal. In some variations, the magnet may be embedded within the sliding seal. Alarm device 242 may comprise one or more clips 240 for retaining suction device 230 and a strap coupled to the one or more clips (not shown). A first reed switch 236 may be provided at any location on the alarm device 242, for example, at a location that is close to the position of the sliding seal 232 when the suction device 230 is depleted, e.g., at a proximal portion 237 of the clip 240. When the magnet 234 is sufficiently close to the proximal portion 237, the magnetic field from the magnet 234 may affect the first reed switch 236 such that it transitions from an open configuration to a closed configuration. Closing the first reed switch 236 may activate any of the notification mechanisms described below to generate an alert to indicate that the suction device is depleted. Optionally, a second reed switch 238 may be provided at a distal portion 235 of the clip 240 which may be configured to activate the same or different notification mechanism as the first reed switch 236. For example, the second reed switch 238 may be transitioned from an open configuration to a closed configuration when the sliding seal 232 is a distal portion of the suction device 230, which may activate a notification mechanism to indicate that the device has been successfully charged. In some variations, as discussed in further detail below, a second reed switch may be provided to permit the coupling of the suction device to the alarm device in either orientation. Any number of locations on the alarm device may have one or more reed switches according to where the practitioner and/or patient desires to be informed of the location of the sliding seal 232. The sensitivity of the reed switch may be configured depending upon the particular configuration of the suction device and magnetic shielding provided, if any, to protect other surrounding electronic devices. In some variations, greater magnetic shielding may be provided for use in the intensive care unit or hospital setting, or with patients with implantable devices such as a defibrillator or pacemaker. In some examples, non-magnetic MRI-compatible units may be provided in addition to magnetic variants of the device, and the clip may be configured with two or more detector mechanisms to accommodate multiple types of devices.

In some variations, the sliding seal 232 may comprise a second magnet 233 that is located on the left side 252 of the sliding seal 232. The additional magnet may allow the suction device 230 to be retained in the alarm device 242 in an alternate orientation. For example, the suction device 230 may be retained in the alarm device in an orientation that is rotated 180° around the longitudinal axis from the orientation depicted in FIG. 8 (e.g., such that the relative position of the superior portion 250 of the suction device is interchanged with the inferior portion 251, and the left side 252 is interchanged with the right side). Suction and alarm devices with alarm systems that are configured to accommodate a plurality of retention orientations will be described in detail below.

One variation of a suction device 330 with an alarm system using a graded type magnetic sensor mechanism is depicted in FIG. 3A. Suction device 330 is configured to be retained within alarm device 344, which may comprise a clip with a magnetic linear encoder 342 at a proximal portion 346 of the alarm device 344. Optionally, the alarm device 344 may comprise a strap that may be coupled to the clip to attach it to a patient. The power source for the linear encoder 342 may be a battery embedded within the alarm device 344. Suction device 330 comprises a multi-pole flexible magnetic strip 332 that spans along a longitudinal length of the device, from a proximal portion 334 to a distal portion 336 of the device, and aligned over the magnetic linear encoder 342. The distal end of the flexible magnetic strip 332 may be fixedly attached to the base of a sliding seal 338 of the suction device 330, and rotatably attached to the proximal portion 334 of the suction device. The relative motion due to the longitudinal shortening of the magnetic strip during the application of negative pressure may be detected by the magnetic linear encoder 342. In some variations, the magnetic strip 332 may be coupled to a portion of the springs 340. In the charged configuration, the magnetic strip 332 is extended, as depicted in FIG. 3A. As the springs 340 recoil and shorten during the course of negative pressure therapy, the magnetic strip may recoil and shorten similarly (as the magnetic strip 332 may be at least partially coiled at the proximal portion 334). In other variations, as depicted in FIG. 3A, the magnetic strip 332 may be coupled to a non-central region of the sliding seal 338, and as the suction device 330 is used to apply negative pressure, the magnetic strip 332 shorten and form a coil around a rotatable pin that is separate from the coil of the springs 340. Alternatively or additionally, the magnetic strip 332 may be wrapped around a first rotatable pin at the proximal portion 334, and coupled to a second slidable and/or rotatable pin that retains the magnetic strip within the housing of the suction device 330. For example, the second pin may be slidable on a side slit in the housing of the suction device 330, and may be coupled to the sliding seal 338 such that its movement across the suction device corresponds to the movement of the sliding seal. The rotation of the pin and/or the movement of the magnetic strip 332 across the magnetic linear encoder 342 may be detected and used to trigger an alarm when the suction device 330 is exhausted or depleted. The second pin may be made of a magnetically detectable material (e.g., a magnet or ferromagnetic metal, etc.), which may allow its location along the suction device to be detected by any suitable proximity detector (e.g., any of the sensors described above).

In other variations, a multi-pole magnetic strip may be located along a longitudinal length of the clip, and the magnetic linear encoder may be embedded in the slidable seal of the suction device, in alignment with the magnetic strip. As the slidable seal with the linear encoder moves across the magnetic strip, the linear encoder detects the relative movement between the seal and the magnetic strip, which may be used to compute the location of the slidable seal within the suction device. In this variation, a power source such as a battery may be provided on the suction device, where the power source may be mechanically or electrically recharged and/or may be replaced when depleted.

Another variation of a suction device 300 with an alarm system using a graded type magnetic sensor mechanism with an alarm device 310 is illustrated in FIG. 3B. The suction device 300 comprises a shaft 302 that is fixedly attached to a sliding seal 306. The shaft 302 may comprise an elongate magnetic component 304 that may be embedded along a substantial length of the shaft. The alarm device 310 may comprise a clip having one or more magnetic linear encoders 308 to detect the movement of the elongate magnetic component 304 embedded in the shaft 302. A magnetic linear encoder located at the proximal portion 307 of the clip 310 may detect when the suction device 300 is depleted and trigger a notification mechanism to generate an alert.

The elongate magnetic component 304 may be embedded over 30% to about 100% of the total length of the shaft 302. The shaft 302 may have a length such that it does not protrude from the body of the suction device 300. For example, the shaft length may be is less than or equal to the distance between the sliding seal 306 and the proximal portion 313 of the suction device 300 in the depleted configuration. For example, the distance between the sliding seal 306 and the proximal portion 313 of the suction device in the depleted configuration may be from about 30 millimeters (mm) to about 200 mm, e.g., 90 mm. Accordingly, the length of the shaft 302 may be from about 10 mm to about 60 mm, e.g., 30 mm. Alternatively, certain suction devices may have a shaft with an elongate magnetic component that has a length that may protrude from the body of the suction device in the depleted configuration. Optionally, the shaft 302 may have a lumen therethrough configured to retain a key to mechanically charge the device.

In some variations, the elongate magnetic component 304 may be a multi-pole magnetic strip, where the pole length may be about 1.00 millimeter (mm). The location of the sliding seal 306 may be determined by the location of the elongate magnetic component 304 embedded within the shaft 302. The location of the elongate magnetic component may be detected by one or more magnetic linear encoders located on an alarm device 310. In some variations, the magnetic linear encoders may comprise an array of magnetic sensors, e.g., an array of Hall effect sensors.

Referring again to FIG. 3B, the alarm device 310 may have a first device retaining structure 314 and a second device retaining structure 316 that is directly opposite the first device retaining structure. The alarm device 310 also comprises a back panel 318 that is attached to the first and second retaining structures 314 and 316 on either side. When the suction device 300 is retained by the alarm device 310, the shaft 302 may move longitudinally across the length of the back panel 318. The one or more magnetic linear encoders 308 may be located anywhere on the alarm device 310 such that the longitudinal axis 312 of the shaft 302 passes over the linear encoder as the shaft moves. For example, in the alarm device 310 depicted in FIG. 3B, magnetic linear encoders 308 are located at a distal portion 305 and proximal portion 307 of the back panel 318 that overlaps with the longitudinal axis 312. In other variations of alarm devices, the magnetic linear encoder may be located anywhere on the alarm device that overlaps with the longitudinal axis of the suction device shaft, e.g. any location between the proximal 307 and distal portion 305 along the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Additionally, the location of magnetic linear encoder 308 with respect to the elongate magnetic component 304 may be determined by the specification of the particular magnetic linear encoder selected. For example, the alignment of the elongate magnetic component over the magnetic linear encoder, the distance between the elongate magnetic component and the magnetic linear encoder, and other such positional details may be described in the specification of the magnetic linear encoder selected. Examples of elongate magnetic components and magnetic linear encoders that may be used here may include the MS10-10 magnetic multipole strip (pole length 1.0 mm, 10 poles) and the AS5311 high resolution magnetic linear encoder (AustriaMicrosystems AG). Other suitable types of magnetic components and magnetic sensors and encoders may also be used with the suction and alarm devices described above.

While the magnetic components described above may be embedded or fixedly coupled to the sliding seal or shaft of the suction device, in other variations, the sliding seal or shaft may be itself magnetic, i.e., made of magnetic materials. The sliding seal and/or shaft may comprise an integral magnetic component, or may comprise a plurality of magnetic components throughout its length. Examples of magnetic materials that may be used in an alarm system comprising magnetic sensors include but are not limited to neodymium, iron, boron, samarium cobalt, alnico, ceramic, ferrite, various alloys (such as an alloy of neodymium, iron and boron) and the like. Alternatively or additionally, the magnetic components may be electromagnetic. The magnetic components may have any size or shape as may be suitable for attaching to the suction device and/or alarm device. For example, the magnetic components may be magnetic sheets or strips. Magnetic components may also be shaped as a disc, rectangular block, cylinder, etc.

The output of the magnetic linear encoder 308 may activate a notification mechanism that informs the patient and/or practitioner about the status of the suction device 300. The notification mechanism may be configured or programmed to issue certain indicators or alerts depending on the positional output of the magnetic linear encoder 308. For example, the magnetic linear encoder 308 may activate the notification mechanism to issue a first alert when the suction device 300 is fully charged and installed in the alarm device 310 as depicted in FIG. 3B. When the shaft 302 has moved to a position where the suction device 300 is partly depleted (e.g., about 30% depleted) the magnetic linear encoder 308 may activate the notification mechanism to issue a second alert. Any desired number of alerts may be issued according to the position of the shaft 302 as detected by the magnetic linear encoder 308. When the shaft 302 has moved to a position where the suction device 300 is nearly or fully depleted, the magnetic linear encoder 308 may activate the notification mechanism to issue another alert. More generally, the magnetic linear encoder and the notification mechanism may be configured or programmed to provide alerts at any frequency as desired by the patient and/or practitioner. While an encoder that detects longitudinal or linear movement is described above, other types of graded sensors will be described below.

In addition to a magnetic field sensitive reed switch described above, electrical switches that are triggered by certain configurations of the suction device may be used to activate (e.g. by closing or opening) a circuit of a notification circuit to generate an alert. Such electrical binary type switches may be triggered to particular configurations of the suction device, and may be used to activate a notification mechanism. One variation of a suction device 400 using a binary type electrical switch mechanism is depicted in FIGS. 4A-4E. The suction device 400 may comprise a slidable seal 420, where the slidable seal is attached or coupled to one or more springs 422 or a shaft 428 of a activation tool 426, as previously described. Suction device 400 also comprises a circuit conduit 410 embedded in the slidable seal 420. A notification mechanism as described below may be activated when the slidable seal 420 and the circuit conduit 410 are at a certain location in the suction device. For example, when the slidable seal 420 seal is in the location depicted in FIG. 4A, the notification mechanism may not be activated, but when the slidable seal 420 is in the location depicted in FIG. 4B, the notification mechanism may be activated.

FIGS. 4C-4E illustrate one variation of a notification mechanism that may be activated closing a switch when the suction device attains a certain configuration. For example, a notification mechanism may be configured to generate an alert when the position sensor mechanism detects that the slidable seal is in a proximal position, i.e., the suction device 400 is depleted or exhausted. The notification mechanism may comprise a first activation contact 402 on one side of a proximal portion of the suction device housing 424, and a second activation contact 403 that may be directly across from the first activation contact. The activation contacts may extend through the entire thickness of the housing 424. The first activation contact 402 may be electrically coupled to the second activation contact 403 via an activation element in the sliding seal 420, e.g., the circuit conduit 410. When the circuit conduit 410 is not aligned with both the activation contacts 402 and 403, i.e., the suction device 400 is in the configuration depicted in FIG. 4A, the activation contacts are electrically isolated. When the circuit conduit 410 is aligned with both the activation contacts 402 and 403, i.e., the suction device 400 is in the configuration depicted in FIG. 4B, the activation contacts are electrically coupled, and current may flow between the activation contacts. There may be several pairs of activation contacts along the length of the suction device 400, which may sense various locations of the slidable seal 420 as desired. For example, the activation contacts 402 and 403 are located so that they may be aligned with the circuit conduit 410 of the slidable seal 420 when the suction device is depleted or exhausted. When the suction device 400 is in the depleted configuration shown in FIG. 4B, the activation contact 402, the circuit conduit 410, and the activation contact 403 may be aligned to form an electrical pathway therebetween.

The notification mechanism may comprise a circuit configured to generate an alert. For example, the notification mechanism may comprise a notification circuit 408, where the notification circuit 408 may comprise an open circuit which may be activated when the circuit is closed. The notification circuit 408 may be located on an alarm device 404 that is configured to retain the suction device 400, as illustrated in FIGS. 4C and 4D. The alarm device may comprise a clip, sheath, case, etc. that may have one or more grooves, protrusions, high-friction surfaces, etc. that are arranged to reliably retain and align the suction device within the alarm device. The alarm device may also have one or more bands, clips, belts, straps, etc. that may couple the suction device to a patient, e.g., an arm or wrist band, leg strap or brace, waist belt, and the like.

The notification circuit 408 may be attached to a back panel 428 of the alarm device 404, which is illustrated in FIG. 4E. The notification circuit 408 may comprise a first alarm contact 406 on one side of the alarm device, a second alarm contact 407 that may be opposite the first alarm contact 406, and a battery (not shown). The alarm contacts 406 and 407 may be the terminal nodes of an open circuit of the notification mechanism. In the open circuit configuration depicted in FIG. 4E, the notification circuit is in an inactivated state. Activation of the notification circuit 408 may require an electrical conduit between the alarm contacts 406 and 407. The alarm contacts 406 and 407 may be located such that when the suction device 400 is retained within the alarm device 404, the activation contacts 402 and 403 are aligned and touch each other. The connection between the alarm and activation contacts may be sufficiently intimate such that an electrical current may pass between them. Optionally, the engagement between the alarm and activation contacts may help to retain the suction device 400 within the alarm device 404. In some variations, the alarm contacts and the activation contacts may be complementary structures, such that they engage or mate when the suction device 400 is retained by the alarm device 404. For example, the alarm contacts and the activation contacts may be engaged by snap-fit, friction-fit, mechanical interfit, magnetic attraction, and the like.

As described above, a notification mechanism may comprise an electrical circuit with an open circuit where the termination nodes correspond to two or more alarm contacts. A notification circuit may be held in an inactivated state by the open circuit, and activated when the open circuit is closed, i.e., when one or more conductive pathways are provided between the alarm contacts. The alarm contacts may be electrical switch contacts and/or reed switch contacts that respond when a magnetic field is present.

In the variation of the suction device 400 described above, the alarm system is configured to alert the practitioner when the suction device is depleted of its ability to provide reduced pressure to a tissue. FIG. 4B depicts the location of the slidable seal 420 when the suction device is nearly depleted, where the activation contacts 402 and 403 are connected via the circuit contact 410. As described previously, when the suction device 400 is retained in the alarm device 404, the activation contacts 402 and 403 engage and connect with the alarm contacts 406 and 407. When the suction device 400 is in the configuration shown in FIG. 4B, the open circuit 432 of the notification circuit 408 is closed, and the tone generator 434 is activated. While the open circuit 432 has been described as being closed by circuit conduit 410, in other variations, the open circuit may be closed by other switch mechanisms. For example, the open circuit 432 may be closed by a spring-loaded button or knob that may be depressed when the slidable seal attains a certain position. In some variations, the slidable seal may have a protrusion that depresses the spring-loaded button to close the open circuit and activate the tone generator. As described previously, the alarm contacts of the notification circuit 408 may be closed by a reed switch. For example, when the magnet coupled to the slidable seal is in the vicinity of the reed switch, the reed switch may change to a closed configuration and activate the notification circuit.

The activation contacts, alarm contacts, and circuit conduit may be made of any electrically conductive material, such as copper, gold, silver, etc. Other types of electrically conductive materials may be used in to activate the notification circuit.

While some suction devices may comprise alarm systems with sensor and/or notification mechanisms that track the position of the sliding seal assembly in the suction chamber of the device, alternatively or additionally, other suction devices may comprise alarm systems that track other moving components, such the one or more components of the suction generating mechanism. As described previously, a suction device may use one or more constant force springs to provide reduced pressure to a tissue region. The constant force springs may be extended using a shaft and/or an activation tool to push the slidable seal distally. As the constant force springs retract (e.g., as the ability to provide reduced pressure decreases), they may form a coil in a proximal portion of the suction device. In some variations, the retraction of the constant force springs as the suction device is depleted may rotate an axle around which the springs are wound. When the springs retract as the suction device is depleted, it may form a coil with increasing diameter as the springs retract. An alarm system may comprise a sensor mechanism that is triggered by the coiling of the constant force springs. FIGS. 6A and 6B schematically depict one example of a sensor mechanism that detects the coil size of a suction device spring assembly, and may be used to trigger a notification mechanism based on the degree to which the springs are coiled. FIG. 6A depicts the configuration of a spring assembly of a suction device when the suction device is charged. FIG. 6B depicts the configuration of the spring assembly when the suction device is depleted, where a notification mechanism may be triggered to generate an alert. The spring assembly 600 comprises a first spring 602 wrapped around a first rotatable axle 604 to form a first coil 630, and a second spring 606 wrapped around a second rotatable axle 608 to form a second coil 632. The distal portions 610 of the springs are attached to a slidable seal 612. During the use of the suction device, the springs retract to apply negative pressure to a tissue site, and rotate the first and second rotatable axles 604, 608. A rotary encoder, which may provide either a binary or graded type output, may be used to measure the rotation of the axles 604, 608 as the spring is extended or retracted, as well as the size of the coils 630, 632. Examples of how rotary encoders may be used are described below.

The rotary encoder (not shown) may measure the rotation of the axle 604 and map the measured rotation of the axle 604 to a particular sliding seal location. For example, the rotary encoder may maintain an internal count of the number of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the axles 604, 608. The linear movement of the springs may be computed based on the number of rotations in both directions. The linear movement of the springs may be mapped to the location of the sliding seal 612. According to the sliding seal location, the rotary encoder may generate a graded output that drives a notification mechanism, e.g., notification circuit 408, to generate an alert to the patient and/or practitioner.

Additionally or alternatively, the location of the sliding seal 612 may be determined using sensors that are configured to detect the diameter of the coils 630, 632, which may vary as the suction device is used. The constant force spring assembly 600 may also comprise a first sensor 626 and a second sensor 628, where the first and second sensors are configured to general a signal to the notification mechanism when the coils 630 and 632 are sufficiently large. The first and second sensors 626, 628 may be located at a distance D3 away from the respective axles 604, 608, such that the sensors are not activated when the suction device is charged, and activated when the suction device is depleted. For example, when the suction device using the constant force spring assembly 600 is fully charged (e.g., the slidable seal is in a distal position), the springs are fully extended as depicted in FIG. 6A, and a first coil 630 formed by the first spring 602, and a second coil 632 formed by the second spring 606 may have a diameter D1, where 0.5(D1)<D3, and may be from about 0 mm to about 16 mm, e.g. D1 may be from about 0 mm to about 30 mm, or from about 14 mm to about 17 mm, or from about 15.7 mm to about 15.9 mm. When the suction device is fully depleted (e.g., the slidable seal is in a proximal portion), the springs may be fully coiled, as depicted in FIG. 6B, and the first and second coils 630, 632 may have a diameter D2, where 0.5(D2)>=D3, and D2 may be from about 0.2 mm to about 35 mm, or from about 14.3 mm to about 17.3 mm, or from about 16.0 mm to about 16.2 mm. While the variation of the spring assembly described here may have two sensors, other variations of spring assemblies may have three or more sensors as desired, e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 or more. Each of the sensors may drive individual notification mechanisms, or may drive two or more notification mechanisms. The sensors 626, 628 may also be used to detect when one or both the springs 602, 606 break, which may result in the sudden increase in coil diameter.

Additionally or alternatively, the springs 602, 606 may have a plurality of stripes oriented transversely to the length of the springs, where the spacing between the stripes may vary along the length of the springs (e.g., the spacing between stripes is directly related to the location of the stripes on the length of the spring). One or more optical sensors, e.g., a barcode scanner or laser backscatter sensor, may be provided to detect the stripe spacing of the springs at a reference location, which may map to slidable seal location. Optical sensors may be at a proximal location, e.g. longitudinally adjacent to the sensors 626, 628, or may be located anywhere along the length of the springs. The rotary encoders described above may provide graded type outputs that not only indicate a charged or depleted configuration, but also provide outputs that indicate intermediate configurations, e.g., suction device is about 100%, about 80%, about 50%, about 30%, about 10%, about 0%, charged or depleted. The notification mechanism may be adapted and/or configured to generate an alarm based on one or more intermediate configurations as desired.

Alarm systems with optical sensor mechanisms may also be used to detect the position of the slidable seal. For example, an optical sensor may be located at a proximal location (i.e., in proximity to the location of the slidable seal when the suction device exhausted or nearly exhausted, or at any location along the length of the suction device) that is configured to detect a certain optical cue on the slidable seal. For example, the slidable seal may have markings with a certain color, pattern (e.g., striped, dotted, zig-zag, etc.), reflectance or absorbance property that may be detected by an optical sensor, which may drive a notification mechanism to indicate that the slidable seal is at the location of the optical sensor, i.e., the suction device is exhausted or depleted. Examples of optical sensors that may include infrared sensors, photodiodes, CCD devices, and the like.

Some optical sensors may be configured to detect an optical interference. For example, the housing of a suction device may be substantially transparent or translucent, while the slidable seal may be substantially opaque. An interference sensor located at a proximal portion of the clip, at the location where the slidable seal may be when the suction device is exhausted or depleted. The interference sensor may detect an occlusion or blockage of light that may result from the movement of the opaque slidable seal when the device is exhausted, and trigger the notification mechanism accordingly. An alarm system comprising an optical sensor may be detachably coupled to the suction device, such that they may be removed from a depleted suction device and attached to a different (e.g., newly charged) suction device. In this way, the alarm system may be reused for multiple sessions of reduced pressure therapy.

Certain variations of suction devices may comprise a pressure transducer that may directly measure the pressure in the suction chamber, and signal a notification mechanism according to the measured pressure. The pressure transducer may be located at a distal portion of the suction chamber. Optionally, there may be a display or monitor that indicates the exact pressure being applied to a tissue region. Notification mechanisms may be configured to generate alerts according to certain pressure levels, as desired.

Certain variations of suction devices may also comprise liquid sensors that detect the presence of any fluids within the suction chamber. An alarm device may comprise a liquid sensor interface that receives the signal from the suction device liquid sensor, and drives a notification mechanism to notify the patient and/or practitioner when there is liquid in the suction chamber. Some types of liquid sensor mechanisms may also provide data about the quantity of liquid in the suction chamber, which may trigger an alert for the patient and/or practitioner to empty or replace the suction device. For example, some liquid sensor mechanisms may sense the location of a float within the suction device chamber, where the float moves according to the quantity of air and/or fluids in the chamber. In some variations, the float may comprise one or more magnetic components that may be detected by any of the magnetic field sensitive mechanism described above. The detected location of the float may activate the notification mechanism to generate an alert.

Suction devices may be retained in an alarm device in a particular orientation. Various features on the housing of the suction device may correspond to and/or be aligned with features on the alarm device to help ensure a certain alignment and/or orientation when the suction device is coupled to the alarm device. For example, one or more surface structures of the suction device housing and the alarm device may be configured to help ensure precise positioning of the suction device with respect to the alarm device. The interface between the suction device housing and the alarm device may also comprise features that secure the suction device in a desired alignment with the alarm device. In some variations, the suction device and/or alarm device may be configured such that the suction device may be retained in the alarm device in a plurality of orientations, as described further below. Examples of surface structures that may retain the alignment and position between two surfaces may include interlocking flanges or hooks, interlocking slits or seals, hook and loop engagement, a protrusion and a recess coupled by friction-fit, snap-fit structures, and the like. Examples of suction and/or alarm devices with features for alignment are described below.

In some variations, the suction device housing may have one or more protrusions or grooves that are complementary to one or more grooves or protrusions on the alarm device, e.g., form a mechanical interfit. For example, as depicted in FIG. 4D, the alarm device 404 may have one or more protrusions 440 that fit into recesses 441 on the housing of the suction device 400. In some variations, the suction device housing may also have curved grooves along its surface to accommodate the portions of the alarm device that contact the suction device. Alternatively or additionally, the suction and alarm devices may have snap latches and snap grooves at corresponding locations.

Suction and alarm devices with different sensor mechanisms may have different surface structures. This may help to ensure that only suction and alarm devices with compatible sensor mechanisms may be coupled together. For example, attachment clips with magnetic sensors may have alignment features that form an interfit with the alignment features of suction devices with a magnetic component in the sliding seal, but do not interfit with the alignment features of suction devices without a magnetic sliding seal. For example, the alignment features of the suction device 200 may not be compatible with the alignment features of the alarm device 310.

In other variations, suction and alarm devices may have electrical components that correspond to each other to help ensure that devices with compatible sensor mechanisms are coupled together. For example, the suction device may have a conductive element with a particular shape that corresponds to the location of one or more electrical pins on the alarm device. When the conductive element of the suction device is in alignment with the one or more pins on the alarm device, an electrical signal is provided to a microcontroller of the alarm system to indicate that the suction and alarm devices are compatible and/or are properly assembled together. In some variations, power is provided to the microcontroller only when certain pins on the alarm device are shorted together by the conductive element of the suction device. In some variations, the alarm device may comprise one or more electrical contacts configured to align with corresponding conductive elements on the suction device such that the alarm device is powered only when a suction device is placed within the alarm device such that the conductive elements are aligned with the one or more electrical contacts. Additionally or alternatively, the alarm device may comprise a power switch that is configured to be depressed by a suction device that is retained within the alarm device. Depressing the power switch may complete a circuit and connect a power source to an alarm system microcontroller that may be included with the alarm device. When the suction device is removed from the alarm device, the pressure on the switch may be released, thereby disconnecting the power source to the alarm system microcontroller. The power switch may be a tactile switch, or any suitable mechanical or electrical switch mechanism. For example, an alarm device may comprise a tactile switch located on the inside of the device (e.g., a back panel of the alarm device that is to receive a suction device). Insertion of a suction device into the alarm device may push on the tactile switch to power the alarm system on, and removal of the suction device from the alarm device may release the pressure on the switch to power the alarm system off. Such power switch mechanisms may be used to reduce power consumption of the reduced pressure therapy system by helping to ensure that the alarm device does not draw any power from the power source in the absence of a suction device.

FIGS. 14A-14C schematically depicts one example of an electrical mechanism that may be used to ensure that suction and alarm devices are compatible. Such an electrical mechanism may also be used to indicate the orientation of the suction device with respect to the alarm device so that a microcontroller on the alarm device may activate the appropriate sensors for depletion detection. In some variations, this mechanism may also be used to power the alarm system only when the suction device is retained in the alarm device. A suction device 1400 may comprise a conductive element 1402 that is accessible to an alarm device. The conductive element 1402 may have any geometry that is suitable for alignment purposes. For example, the conductive element 1402 may have an elongate portion 1404 along a length of the suction device 1400, and may also comprise an end portion 1406 that substantially extends from the elongate portion 1404. The conductive element may be located along a central axis of the suction device, or may be offset from the center. The overall geometry of the conductive element 1402 may be asymmetric or symmetric, depending on the configuration of electrical pins or pads on the alarm device. FIG. 14B schematically illustrates the positioning of suction device 1400 with respect to a plurality of pins on an alarm device. In some cases, the pins may be electrically isolated until coupled by a conductive element on the suction device. The pins 1410, 1412 and 1414 are schematically depicted, but for the sake of simplicity, the alarm device is not shown. FIG. 14B depicts a first orientation 1420 of the suction device, where the conductive element 1402 on the suction device electrically couples a first pin 1410, a second pin 1412, and a third pin 1414 together. Shorting these three pins together may send a first electrical signal to an alarm system microcontroller to indicate that the suction device is in the first orientation 1420. FIG. 14C depicts a second orientation 1422 that is a 180 degree rotation from the first orientation 1420. In the second orientation 1422, the first pin 1410 and the second pin 1412 are electrically coupled, however, the third pin 1414 is electrically isolated from the first and second pins. Shorting the first and second pins but not the third pin may send a second electrical signal to the microcontroller to indicate that the suction device is in the second orientation 1422. In some variations, power may be supplied to the microcontroller only when the suction device 1400 is in the first orientation 1420 or second orientation 1422, but not in the other orientation. While the conductive element 1402 on the suction device and the pins 1410, 1412, 1414 on the alarm device are configured to indicate two orientations, other suction devices may have one or more conductive elements with different geometries that correspond to three or more pins on the alarm device to indicate any number or orientations.

FIGS. 14D and 14E depict one example of a suction device 1430 and an alarm device 1440 that have an electrical mechanism that may be used for orientation identification, and/or to ensure that suction and alarm devices are compatible. The electrical mechanism may also be used as a power switch such that alarm device 1440 is not powered on until the suction device 1430 is retained therein. The suction device 1430 may comprise a conductive element 1432, and the alarm device 1440 may comprise a first pin connector 1442 and a second pin connector 1444 located such that the conductive element 1432 and the pin connectors contact each other when the suction device 1430 is placed within the alarm device 1440. As illustrated in FIG. 14D, the conductive element 1432 is located along a side portion of the housing 1434 of the suction device. The conductive element 1432 may have any suitable geometry, for example, it may have an elongate portion 1436 that extends along a longitudinal axis of the suction device, and an end portion 1438 that extends transversely to the elongate portion 1436. Portions of the conductive region 1432 may have any number of tapered, curved, rounded, etc. regions, as may be desirable. The location of the first connector 1442 and the second connector 1444 of the alarm device 1440 may correspond to the location of the conductive element 1432 of the suction device when retained in the alarm device. As illustrated in FIG. 14E, the first connector 1442 may comprise two pins 1443 a, 1443 b, and the second connector 1333 may comprise three pins 1445 a, 1445 b, 1445 c, however, it should be understood that an alarm device may have any number of connectors, and each connector may have any number of pins. The connectors on the alarm device may correspond to the pin pads of an alarm system circuit, such as the alarm system circuit of FIG. 11, which will be described below. The number of pins on a connector may or may not match with the number of pins on the pin pad corresponding to that connector. The number of pins on each connector or pin pad may vary according to the alarm system circuitry.

While alarm devices may have connectors configured to be shorted by a conductive element on a suction device have been described above, alternatively or additionally, suction devices may have an alarm system with connectors, and the alarm device may have a conductive element configured to short the suction device connectors. For example, in variations where the suction device is electrically powered or has an alarm system that is electrically powered, the suction device may have electrical connectors that interface with a conductive element on the attachment feature. These electrical connectors may act as a power switch for the suction device, and/or an orientation and/or a compatibility interface between the suction device and alarm device, such that the suction device is not electrically activated until retained within the alarm device.

Various types of visual, audio, and tactile alerts generated by various notification mechanisms may be used with any of the sensor and/or detection mechanisms described above. In some examples, the alert may be an audio signal (e.g. a buzzer or ringing sound), a visual signal (e.g. flashing colored light) or a tactile signal (e.g. vibration from an asymmetric weight attached to a rotary motor), or a combination thereof. Other signals may include data signals that may be connected wirelessly or by wired connection to one or more displays and/or electronic healthcare/nursing record databases. These displays and/or electronic databases may be local (e.g. in the clip or a pocket-sized mobile device) to the user, or remote (e.g. the nursing station of the treatment facility, online electronic healthcare record database or the user's personal computer), and utilize any of a variety data transmission modalities (e.g. cellular networks and/or internet).

One example of a notification circuit 408 is depicted in FIG. 5. The notification circuit 408 may comprise an open circuit 432 with alarm contacts 406 and 407 as terminal nodes, and a tone generator 434 configured to drive speakers 430. All the components may be powered by a battery 436, which may provide a DC voltage that is appropriate for selected tone generator 434, e.g., from about 1.5 V to about 4.5 V. The tone generator 432 may be activated depending on the connectivity of the open circuit 432. Additional features may be included with the notification mechanism 408 to adjust the sound produced by the tone generator 434, the volume of the sound, and the duration that the sound is produced, etc. Variations of notification mechanisms may be used to activate different notification circuits to generate an alarm (e.g., visual or tactile alarms, as well as wireless signal generators), and may be included as separate modes that may be activated by the practitioner and/or patient. Notification circuits may also comprise memory components that may be configured to retain information about past alarm events, pre-programmed instructions, snooze functions, and the like. Notification circuit 408 may be located on the alarm device or on the suction device, as desired.

Additionally or alternatively to visual and/or audio alerts, notification mechanisms may issue electronic messages, such as text messages, e-mails, pages, etc., to indicate the state of the suction device, and whether or not the device needs to be replaced or emptied. The alerts may be provided to local monitors, such as the patient and/or attending medical practitioner, and/or may be provided to remote monitors, such as a medial practitioner who may be at a removed location. In some variations, the remote monitor may send a command to the suction device alarm system to issue an alert to prompt the patient to check on the suction device.

FIG. 9 depicts a block diagram representation of one variation of an alarm system 900. The alarm system 900 may comprise a microcontroller module 908 that has a microcontroller chip that may be programmed to accept sensor and/or user inputs and drive indicator outputs. For example, the microcontroller module 908 may receive input signals from a suction device orientation module 902, a sensor module 904, and a user input module 906. The orientation module 902 may provide information to the microcontroller module 908 regarding the position and/or orientation of the suction device with respect to the alarm device. The sensor module 904 may have one or more sensor mechanisms as described above, and may have, for example, one or more reed switches. The user input module 906 may comprise switches (e.g., power switch, toggle switches, etc.), buttons, dials, keyboards, and the like which may provide patient-specific information to the microcontroller 908, as well as to regulate the state of the alarm system 900. In addition to these inputs, the microcontroller module 908 may drive any number of output modules. For example, the microcontroller module 908 may drive a light-emitting diode (LED) module 910 that may be used as optical notifications to the patient, and/or may be used to backlight a display, such as a monitor. Outputs from the microcontroller may also be used to drive an indicator module 912 comprising notification circuits such as the ones previously described. In some variations, the indicator module 912 may comprise amplifiers that may augment the notification signal, whether audio, optical, tactile, electronic or otherwise, to help ensure that the patient and/or practitioner is made aware of the status of the alarm system. For example, the microcontroller may provide a signal to an audio amplifier that may in turn drive a speaker to generate an audible alert.

The various modules depicted in FIG. 9 may be located on either or both the suction device and alarm device. For example, the microcontroller module 908, optical notification module 910, user input module 906, and indicator module 912, may be located on the alarm device, while the sensor module 904 and the orientation module 902 may be located on the suction device. Alternatively, the components of both sensor module 904 and the orientation module 902 may be located on both the suction and alarm devices. The optical notification module 910 and the user input module 906 may also be on the suction device, as may be desirable. In other variations, all the modules depicted in FIG. 9 may be located only on the alarm device or only on the suction device. In still other variations, the modules depicted in FIG. 9 may be detachably coupled to the suction and alarm devices.

One variation of a system that comprises two reed sensors and generates an alarm based on signals from the reed sensors is depicted in FIG. 10A. The alarm system 1000 may comprise a first reed switch module 1004 and a second reed switch module 1006 that detect the position of the sliding seal within a suction device, and provide electrical signals, e.g., voltage or current signals, that correlate with the position of the sliding seal to a microcontroller module 1012. The microcontroller module 1012 may comprise a voltage sensor 1010. In some cases, the microcontroller module may comprise a programmable microcontroller or microprocessor with an embedded voltage sensor, for example, a system-on-a-chip microcontroller unit (MCU), such as any MCU in the C8051F93x-C8051F92x MCU family (Silicon Labs Inc of Austin, Tex.), for example. Any microcontroller with the appropriate power consumption (i.e., low power consumption), size (i.e., small size), and programmability (i.e., flexible software programming interface, compatibility with a variety of electronic components) may be used. The microcontroller module 1012 may receive inputs from a suction device orientation module 1002 which may be used to interpret the inputs from other modules in the alarm system 1000. The alarm system 1000 may also comprise a user switch module 1008 which may allow the patient to activate or deactivate the system, as well as to provide patient-specific data to the alarm system. The microcontroller module 1012 may drive a number of output modules, such as a LCD sense indicator module 1014, a LCD battery indicator module 1016, a LCD alarm indicator module 1018, a LED backlight module 1020, and an amplifier module 1022. In some variations, the microcontroller module may drive the LCD sense indicator module 1014 or a LCD segment to indicate that a suction device/cartridge is properly installed in the alarm device and/or that the alarm system is powered. For example, the LCD sense indicator module 1014 may be turned on or activated to indicate that there is a valid and/or compatible suction device coupled to the alarm device, and may be turned off or deactivated to indicate that there is no valid and/or compatible suction device coupled to the alarm device. Additionally or alternatively, the microcontroller module 1012 may drive radiofrequency transmitters or other electronic messaging devices to provide an e-mail or a text to a patient and/or practitioner to alert them of the state of the suction device.

One example of an orientation circuit that may be used with an alarm device orientation module is depicted in FIG. 10B. Orientation circuit 1031 may comprise a first pin pad 1033 and a second pin pad 1038, where each pin pad may comprise one or more pins in any arrangement that corresponds to a conductive element in a suction device, as previously described. The first pin pad 1033 has a first pin 1034 and a second pin 1036, where electrically shorting them together may indicate a first suction device orientation. The first pin pad 1033 may be connected as a switch to a battery 1030 that may be configured to supply power to the alarm system, e.g., via a connection to the microcontroller module at the first terminal 1040. When the first pin 1034 and the second pin 1036 are electrically isolated, the first pin pad 1033 may be as an open circuit, and the battery 1030 may be disconnected from the electrical components of the alarm system. Shorting the first pin 1034 and second pin 1036 together may act to close the circuit such that the battery 1030 may provide power to the alarm system, e.g., by turning on the microcontroller module, etc. An optional LED diode 1046 connected to the first terminal 1040 may be activated when the first and second pins are shorted, which may provide a visual indication to the user that power is provided to the alarm system. The second pin pad 1038 may have a third pin 1039, where electrically shorting all three pins 1034, 1036, and 1039 may indicate a second suction device orientation. The connectivity of the second pin pad 1038 may be indicated to the microcontroller module via a second terminal 1042. Other variations of orientation circuits may have different a different number of pin pads and pins in a variety of arrangements. The battery 1030 may store sufficient energy to power the one or more electronic components of the alarm system, and may be selected according to the desired shelf life, service life, size, voltage, compatibility with other alarm system components, and/or discharge capacity. Any suitable batteries may be used with the orientation circuit 1031, for example, a battery with a shelf life of 10 years, service life of at least 8 weeks, such as the 3V CR2032 battery. Optionally, the orientation circuit 1031 may have a battery sensor 1032 that may provide an indication of how much energy is stored in the battery 1030, and activate a LED that may prompt the patient and/or practitioner to replace the battery or the alarm system. In certain variations, the alarm system may be powered by plugging into a wall socket instead of, or in addition to, using a battery.

One example of a sensor circuit that may be used with an alarm device sensor module is depicted in FIG. 10C. The sensor circuit 1050 may comprise any number and types of sensors and/or switches, as previously described, for example, a first reed switch 1052 and a second reed switch 1054. When the slidable seal of a suction device is in proximity to the first reed switch 1052, it will close the switch and communicate the proximity of the slidable seal to the microcontroller module via a connection through a first terminal 1053. When the slidable seal of the suction device is in proximity to the second reed switch 1054, it will close the switch and communicate the proximity of the slidable seal to the microcontroller module via a connection through a second terminal 1055. Based on the data from the orientation module, the microcontroller module will make a determination as to the depletion state of the suction device. The sensor circuit 1050 may also comprise a user-activated switch 1056 that when closed, will activate the first and second reed switches. For example, the third terminal 1057 that is connected to a node of the user-activated switch 1056 may be connected to the microcontroller module, which may provide a certain voltage or current level that may only be conveyed to the first terminal 1053 and/or second terminal 1055 if the user-activated switch 1056 is closed and either or both the reed switches 1052, 1054 are closed. Other mechanisms for activating and/or deactivating the sensor circuit 1050, e.g., ON-OFF switches, may be used as appropriate.

One example of an amplifier circuit that may be used with an alarm device orientation module is depicted in FIG. 10D. The amplifier circuit 1060 may comprise an amplifier chip 1062, which may receive signals from the microcontroller module via a first terminal 1066 and/or a second terminal 1068, and drive a speaker 1064 according to the microcontroller signals. Any suitable amplifier chip may be used in the amplifier circuit 1060, for example, the LM4675 amplifier. Amplifiers may be used with any desirable type(s) of indicators, including auditory, vibratory, visual, electronic, etc. to augment the activity of the indicators.

LED circuits that may be used with an alarm device alarm system may comprise a LED array with one or more LEDs driven by an input bus from the microcontroller module. Each LED in the LED array may represent the status of a component in the alarm system and/or the state of the microcontroller. For example, individual LEDs in the LED array may represent the status of the battery, activation of the microcontroller, orientation of the suction device with respect to the alarm device, the depletion or charging of the suction device, alarm mode, sleep or active mode, power mode, etc. The LED array may also be used as a LCD backlight, as appropriate. Optionally, the LED circuit may also comprise a zener diode array that may be used as a shunt voltage regulator to prevent sudden voltage surges. Alternatively, certain alarm systems may comprise an array of LCD segments or other electronic devices that may be used to represent the status of one or more components in the alarm system.

The components of any of the alarm systems described above may be mounted on a printed circuit board in accordance with their desired position on the alarm device. For example, the sensor mechanisms that are triggered to the location of the slidable seal of a suction device coupled to the alarm device may be positioned to correspond to the location of the seal in the charged and/or depleted configuration. FIG. 11 depicts one example of an alarm system 1100 with its components mounted on a printed circuit board 1101. The alarm system 1100 may comprise a microcontroller 1102 that receives signals from a first sensor mechanism 1104 located on a first side of the printed circuit board 1101 and a second sensor 1106 located on a second side of the board, where the second side is opposite the first side. The alarm system 1100 may also comprise a first pin pad 1108 and a second pin pad 1110 that may be used to determine the orientation of the suction device with respect to the alarm device. For example, the first connector 1442 depicted in FIG. 14E may correspond to the first pin pad 1108, and the second connector 1444 of FIG. 14E may correspond to the second pin pad 1110. The microcontroller 1102 may use the inputs from the first sensor mechanism 1104, second sensor mechanism 1106, first pin pad 1108, and second pin pad 1110 to determine the depletion or charge state of the suction device. The state of the suction device as determined by the microcontroller 1102 may be used to drive an amplifier module 1112 to generate any of the indicators descried above. The microcontroller 1102 may also be used to drive a LCD-LED array 1114 that may provide information to a patient and/or practitioner, e.g., by providing backlighting to a monitor, binary encoding of the suction device state, etc. While the printed circuit board 1101 is an oblong elliptical shape, it should be understood that it may have any geometry as suitable for the alarm device or clip.

One example of an alarm device 1200 that may use the alarm systems described above is depicted in FIG. 12A. The alarm device 1200 may have an alarm system 1202 embedded along a portion of the alarm device to detect the position of the slidable seal within a suction device. For example, the alarm system 1100 may be embedded along the longest dimension, e.g. its length, of the alarm device 1200. The alarm system 1202 embedded within the alarm device 1200 may comprise an audio speaker 1204, indicators 1206, and a user-activated switch 1208. The indicators 1206 may be configured to signal the state of the alarm system (e.g., active or inactive), the state of the suction device (e.g., depleted or charged, etc.), the state of the battery (e.g., charged or drained, etc.), and the state of any of the components in the alarm system. The user-activated switch 1208 may be a press-button or slide-button that may be used to activate backlight illumination for the indicators 1206 or to snooze an activated indicator or alert. FIG. 12B depicts an example of a suction device 1220 that may be retained within the alarm device 1200. In this example, a first sensing mechanism of the alarm system (e.g., a first reed switch) may be located at a proximal portion 1222 of the alarm device 1200 while a second sensing mechanism (e.g., a second reed switch) may be located at a distal portion 1224. The suction device 1220 may comprise a conductive element as previously described so that the alarm system microcontroller may determine the orientation of the suction device 1220 with respect to the alarm device 1200.

Another example of an alarm device 1500 that may use the alarm systems described above is depicted in FIG. 15A. The alarm device 1500 may have an alarm system 1502 embedded along a portion of the alarm device to detect the position of the slidable seal within a suction device. The alarm system 1502 embedded within the alarm device 1500 may comprise an audio speaker 1504, a display 1506, and a user-activated switch 1508. The display 1506 may comprise, for example, light bulbs, or an LED, LCD, OLED or other type of optical display. The display 1506 may be configured to signal the state of the alarm system (e.g., active or inactive), the state of the suction device (e.g., depleted or charged, etc.), the state of the battery (e.g., charged or drained, etc.), and the state of any of the components in the alarm system. For example, display 1506 may present an indicator 1506 a may be in the shape of a circle and used to indicate that the system is powered on and active, i.e. that the suction device has been properly inserted and seated, and that there is adequate battery power to perform its detection and alarm functions. In other examples, the indicator 1506 a may be configured to identify the current suction capacity of a suction device retained within the alarm device. The indicator 1506 b may be used to indicate the status of the battery. The battery status may indicate a binary state (powered/unpowered), or may be configured to indicate multiple battery states, with three or more levels of battery power. The indicator 1506 c may be used to indicate the alarm mode (e.g., alarm frequency, pre-programmed modes, snooze mode, etc.). The user-activated switch 1508 may be a press-button or slide-button that may be used to activate backlight illumination for the indicators 1506 or to snooze an activated indicator or alert (e.g., by silencing an audible alarm for a pre-selected period of time). An alarm device may also comprise one or more side connectors and/or one or more panel connectors. As depicted in FIG. 15B, the alarm device 1500 comprises a clip comprising one or more side connectors 1516 and a power supply button 1517. These connectors may be used as described above, for example, as a power switch, and/or orientation and/or compatibility verification mechanism. The power supply button 1517 c may be depressed when a suction device is retained in the alarm device, thereby closing an open circuit and supplying power to the alarm system.

FIG. 15C depicts an example of a suction device 1520 that may be retained within the alarm device 1500. The suction device 1520 may comprise measurement markings 1521 on a transparent portion of the suction chamber 1523 that may be used to quantify the position of a piston, and/or the quantity of a fluid, or volume of a solid or gel contained in the chamber. The suction device 1520 may also comprise one or more protrusions configured to engage with the alarm device, i.e., by snap-locking, such that an electrical connection may be made between a conductive element on the suction device and connectors on the alarm device. The protrusions may also help the alarm device retain the suction device with a certain alignment. For example, first and second protrusions 1526, 1528 may be located at a proximal portion 1522, while third and fourth protrusions 1530, 1532 may be located at a distal portion 1524 to retain the position of the suction device 1520 within the alarm device. In other variations, a suction device may comprise one or more recesses that correspond to one or more protrusions on the alarm device. The protrusions may be symmetrically arranged on the suction device (e.g., along a longitudinal and/or transverse axis) or asymmetrically arranged, as may be suitable. The protrusions may help ensure that a suction device retained in the alarm device does not move or change configuration during reduced pressure therapy. The location and geometry of the protrusions of the suction device may be configured such that the suction device may be retained in the alarm device in a variety of orientations, as described further below. Additionally or alternatively, engagement mechanisms such as magnetic, adhesive, hook-and-loop, etc. may be used to couple the suction and alarm devices, as described previously. A back panel of the alarm device 1500 retaining the suction device 1520 is depicted in FIG. 15D. The alarm device 1500 may optionally comprise a first loop portion 1510 and a second loop portion 1512, which may be used for coupling the alarm device to a belt or strap. In some variations, the alarm device 1500 may be coupled to a belt or strap by hook-and-loop engagement, snap-lock, buttons, clasps, adhesives, and the like. The suction device 1520 may comprise a conductive element as previously described so that the alarm system microcontroller may determine the orientation of the suction device 1520 with respect to the alarm device 1500.

In some variations, the suction device may be configured to be retained by the alarm device in a plurality of orientations, and the alarm device may be configured to detect the depletion state of the suction device (e.g., fully charged, partially charged/depleted, or fully depleted) regardless of the orientation in which the alarm device retains the suction device. For example, the suction device may be retained in the alarm device as shown in FIG. 15C, where the superior portion 1542 is facing up and the left side 1545 is closest to the alarm system 1502. The suction device 1520 may also be retained in an orientation where the inferior portion 1543 is facing up and the right side 1544 is closest to the alarm system 1502. Optionally, the suction device 1520 may also be retained in an orientation where the relative position of the distal end 1546 and the proximal end 1547 are switched. FIG. 19 schematically illustrates the various orientations that a suction device 1900 may be retained in an alarm device. For example, the suction device 1900 comprising a suction chamber 1902 and a sliding seal assembly 1904 may be configured to be retained such that the superior portion 1920 is facing up. The alarm device may also be configured to retain the suction device 1900 in an orientation that is rotated around longitudinal axis A1 (e.g., 180°, such that the relative positions of the superior 1920 and inferior 1921 portions are switched, and the relative positions of the left 1922 and right 1923 sides are switched). The alarm device may also be configured to retain the suction device 1900 in an orientation that is rotated around transverse axis A2 (e.g., 180°, such that the relative positions of the distal 1925 and proximal 1926 portions are switched, and the relative positions of the superior 1920 and inferior 1921 portions are switched). The alarm device may be configured to retain the suction device 1900 in an orientation that is rotated around both axes A1 and A2 (e.g., rotated 180° around axis A1 and rotated 180° around axis A2 such that the relative positions of the superior 1920 and inferior 1921 portions, distal 1925 and proximal 1926 portions, and left 1922 and right sides 1924 are interchanged with each other, etc.). Accordingly, the alarm device may be configured to detect when the suction device 1900 is in a fully depleted state (e.g., sliding seal assembly 1904 has moved to a proximal portion of the suction chamber) in some or all of these retention orientations. For example, some alarm devices may be configured to detect the depletion state of a suction device in two retention orientations (e.g., in a first orientation and in a second orientation, where the second orientation is a front-to-back rotation of the first orientation). Some alarm devices may be configured to operate with a device that may be retained in three or more orientations (e.g., in a first, a second, a third, and a fourth orientation, where the second orientation is the first orientation rotated 180° around axis A1, the third orientation is the first orientation rotated 180° around axis A2, and the fourth orientation is the first orientation rotated 180° around axis A1 and rotated 180° around axis A2).

Suction devices may also be configured to be retained in the alarm device in a plurality of orientations. For example, suction devices may comprise protrusions similar to those described and depicted in FIGS. 15C-15D that can accommodate a plurality of retention orientations. Suction device may also comprise a sliding seal assembly with two or more magnetic elements, so that the location of the sliding seal assembly may be detected by the alarm device regardless of the retention orientation. Alternatively, alignment protrusions on a suction device may constrain the retention orientation of the suction device, such that the suction device may be retained in the alarm device in one or two orientations. In some variations, the alarm device is configured to only detect the depleted state of the suction device. For example, a suction device 1900 may have a first magnetic element 1914 on the left side 1922 of the sliding seal assembly and a second magnetic element 1915 on the right side 1924 of the sliding seal assembly, as schematically depicted in FIGS. 19B-19D. The alarm device may comprise a first reed switch 1906 at a first location and a second reed switch 1908 at a second location separate from the first location (e.g., the second reed switch 1908 may be proximal to the first reed switch). The suction device may be retained by the alarm device such that the location of the sliding seal assembly 1904 in the fully charged state is proximal to the location of the first reed switch 1906 of the alarm device, as depicted in FIG. 19B. The suction device 1900 may comprise a tab, shoulder, or any suitable stop structure (e.g., a wall of a distal cap) that may prevent the sliding seal assembly 1904 from moving to the distal-most portion of the suction chamber. When the suction device is this fully charged state, the location of the magnetic elements 1914, 1915 is such that they are undetected by the first reed switch 1906. When the suction device is fully depleted, the sliding seal assembly may be at the location 1905 depicted in FIG. 19C, and at least one of the magnets 1914, 1915 may be close enough to be detected by the second reed sensor 1908, thereby triggering an alert. The suction device 1900 may comprise a proximal tab, shoulder, or any suitable stop structure (e.g., a wall of a proximal cap) that may prevent the sliding seal assembly 1904 from moving further in the proximal direction. This particular arrangement of the alarm device with the suction device allows for the detection of the depleted state regardless of the orientation with which it is retained in the alarm device. For example, when the retention orientation of the suction device 1900 depicted in FIG. 19B is rotated 180° around axis A2, the device may be oriented as depicted in FIG. 19D. In this retention orientation, the magnetic elements 1914, 1915 of the sliding seal assembly in the fully charged configuration may be undetectable by the second reed switch 1908, but when the suction device is in the fully depleted configuration where the sliding seal assembly is at location 1905, the magnets 1914, 1915 may be detected by the first reed switch 1906. Such an arrangement of reed switches in the alarm device and magnets in the suction device may help to reduce patient confusion when installing the suction device in the alarm device, and may help to ensure that the alarm system is able to alert a patient when the suction device is depleted, regardless of the suction device orientation in the alarm device.

As described previously, the attachment protrusions of a suction device may help to ensure that the reed switches and magnetic elements are situated in a specific configuration with respect to each other (e.g., such that the alarm system may detect the depleted state of the suction device regardless of the retention orientation). For example, the location of the first and second reed switches 1906, 1908 may define a line segment L1 with a midpoint 1912. The position of the sliding seal assembly 1904 in the fully charged state and the position of the sliding seal assembly in the depleted state may define a travel path along a line segment L2 with a midpoint 1910, as depicted in FIG. 19C. The travel path may extend along the entire length of the suction chamber, or may extend along a portion thereof (e.g., ½, ⅔, ¾, of the length of the suction chamber, centered or offset from the center of the suction chamber). The attachment protrusions may be positioned such that the midpoint 1910 of the sliding seal assembly travel path is offset proximally from the midpoint 1912, for example, by an offset amount L3. Shifting the midpoint 1910 by offset L3 from the midpoint 1912 may help to ensure that when the suction device 1900 is in the fully charged state, the magnetic elements 1914, 1915 are not detectable by either reed switch, and when the suction device 1900 is in the fully depleted state, the magnet elements 1914, 1915 are detectable by at least one reed switch, regardless of the retention orientation of the suction device. For example, FIG. 19B depicts the location of the sliding seal assembly 1904 when the suction device 1900 is in the fully charged state. In such a location, the sliding seal assembly 1904 is not detectable by reed switch 1906. When the suction device 1900 transitions to the depleted configuration, the sliding seal assembly may be at location 1905, as depicted in FIG. 19C, and may be detectable by reed switch 1908. FIG. 19D depicts the suction device 1900, but retained in the alarm device after it has been rotated 180° around the axis A2 from the configuration shown in FIG. 19B. In the fully charged state and/or partially depleted intermediate states, the magnetic elements 1914, 1915 are not detectable by either reed switch 1908 or reed switch 1906. However, in the depleted configuration, the sliding seal assembly may be at location 1905, where it may be detectable by reed switch 1906.

The suction device may be configured to be retained in the alarm device such that the distance of magnetic elements of the sliding seal assembly to the nearest reed switch is less in the fully depleted state than in the fully charged state. As such, the alarm device may detect when the suction device is in the fully depleted state and generate an alert, but may not detect when the suction device is in the fully charged state. In some embodiments, the travel of the sliding seal assembly within the suction device may be such that the distance of the magnetic elements to the distal protrusions (e.g., protrusions 1530, 1532 of FIG. 15C) in the fully charged state may be greater than the distance of the magnetic elements to the proximal protrusions (e.g., protrusions 1526, 1528). Variations of these arrangements may be contemplated to ensure that regardless of the orientation of the suction device in the alarm device, the alarm system is able to detect when the suction device is depleted and to generate a signal to the patient.

In other variations, the suction device may be configured to be retained in the alarm device such that the distance of magnetic elements of the sliding seal assembly to the nearest reed switch is greater in the fully depleted state than in the fully charged state. In this variation, the alarm device may detect when the suction device is in the fully charged state, but not when it is in the fully depleted state, which may help signal that the suction device is properly installed.

While alarm devices comprising two reed switches have been described and depicted herein, it should be understood that some variations may have only one reed switch. For example, one variation of a reduced pressure therapy system may comprise a suction device comprising a sliding seal assembly with two magnetic elements and an alarm device comprising only one reed switch, as depicted schematically in FIG. 20. The alarm device 2000 may be configured to detect the depleted state (and not the charged state) of the suction device 2010. The alarm device 2000 may comprise a reed switch 2002 located at a proximal portion 2001, and one or more alignment tabs 2004 (e.g., one located on the left 2003 and right 2005 side of the alarm device). The suction device 2010 may comprise a suction chamber 2011 with a sliding seal assembly 2014 in the suction chamber, and one or more alignment protrusions 2016 along the left 2013 and right 2015 sides. The alignment tabs 2004 may be located towards the proximal portion 2001. The alignment protrusions 2016 may be located in positions that correspond to the location of the alignment tabs 2004, and may interlock with each other (e.g., by snap lock, etc.). Placement of the alignment features in an offset position (e.g., towards the proximal or distal end of the devices) may help a patient and/or practitioner to install the suction device in a desired orientation with respect to the alarm device. The suction device 2010 may be retained in the alarm device 2000 such that the left 2013 and right 2015 sides of the suction device are aligned with the left 2003 and right 2005 sides of the alarm device. The suction device 2010 may also be retained in the alarm device 2000 such that the right 2015 and left 2013 sides of the suction device are aligned with the left 2003 and right 2005 sides of the alarm device (e.g., rotated 180° around the longitudinal axis). Optionally, the suction device 2010 may be retained by the alarm device 2000 in an orientation where the relative position of the distal portion 2018 and the proximal portion 2019 is interchanged (e.g., rotated 180° around a transverse axis from the orientation depicted in FIG. 20). The alignment tabs 2004 may be configured to interlock with the alignment protrusions 2016 in this transversly-rotated orientation. In such an orientation, the alarm device 2000 may be able to detect the depleted state of the suction device 2010. In some variations, suction devices may comprise a sliding seal assembly having only have one magnetic element, and may be retained in an alarm device in two or fewer orientations.

In alternative variations, the alarm device may comprise three or more reed switches, which may allow for the detection of additional suction device configurations and orientations. Optionally, suction devices may comprise sliding seal assemblies that have two or more magnetic elements in various locations. The number and locations of reed switches and magnetic elements on the suction device and alarm device may be varied in accordance with the desired retention orientation of the suction device, as well as the number of suction device configurations that are to be detected.

Once the suction device has been detected to be in the fully depleted state, the microcontroller of an alarm system may response according to pre-programmed algorithms. For example, certain microcontroller modules may additionally comprise a programming interface that may allow scripts and instruction sets to be downloaded into the microcontroller. In some variations, the microcontroller may be programmed to implement a state machine 1300, as represented by the state machine diagram depicted in FIG. 13. The microcontroller may activate certain alarm system components (e.g., LEDs, LCD screen, amplifiers, speakers, etc.) in accordance to its current state as determined by sensor and/or user inputs. FIG. 13 merely depicts an example of a state machine that may be programmed into a microcontroller for used with an alarm system for a suction device, and it should be understood that a variety of state machines (e.g., with more or less states) may be implemented as may be suitable. In some variations, the microcontroller may be programmed to be in a “sleep” or low-power mode for the majority of its operation, and “wake” or activate every second or minute to check signals from the alarm system sensors and/or switches. In some variations, signal filters may be programmed into the microcontroller to help reduce false positive signals. If an alarm condition is detected (e.g., low battery, suction device nearing or at depletion, etc.), the microcontroller may remain in the activated state to generate the necessary alerts and indicators to trigger an action on the part of the patient and/or practitioner. The microcontroller may be programmed to drive the alert or indicator module for a certain amount of time, e.g., 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, etc., and may be dormant or snoozed for a certain amount of time, e.g., 1 minute, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, etc., before driving the alert or indicator module again. For example, the alert module may issue a sound for 5 minutes (either continuously or in bursts), remain silent for 30 minutes, and then sound for 5 minutes if the suction device is not replaced. Optionally, a visual alert may accompany the audio alert. A snooze function may be provided where the audio alert may be silenced for a period of time (e.g., 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 25 minutes, etc.). If after the period time has elapsed and the suction device has not been replaced, the audio alert may continue to sound. Other such functions and modes may be programmed into the microcontroller as desired.

Although the embodiments herein have been described in relation to certain examples, various additional embodiments and alterations to the described examples are contemplated within the scope of the invention. Thus, no part of the foregoing description should be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. For all of the embodiments described above, the steps of the methods need not be performed sequentially. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A reduced pressure therapy system comprising: a suction device comprising a suction chamber; and a fluid retention system comprising: an absorbent material having a non-hydrated state and a hydrated state; and a carrier structure within the suction chamber, wherein the carrier structure comprises at least one wall forming a cavity, and wherein (i) when the absorbent material is in the non-hydrated state, the carrier structure is configured to retain the absorbent material within the cavity and (ii) when the absorbent material is in the hydrated state, the carrier structure is configured to release the absorbent material from within the cavity such that the absorbent material expands through the at least one wall and into the suction chamber.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the carrier structure is attached to an interior of the suction chamber.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the carrier structure is attached to a distal portion of the suction chamber.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the carrier structure is attached by adhesives.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the carrier structure has a shape that corresponds to a cross-sectional shape of the suction chamber.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the suction chamber comprises an inlet opening, and wherein the carrier structure comprises an aperture aligned with the inlet opening.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the absorbent material comprises a superabsorbent material.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the absorbent material is substantially a powder in the non-hydrated state, and substantially a gel in the hydrated state.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the absorbent material is configured to remain within the cavity of the carrier structure when the absorbent material releases from within the cavity of the carrier structure and expands into the suction chamber.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one wall of the carrier structure is configured to separate in order to enable the absorbent material to release from within the cavity of the carrier structure and expand into the suction chamber.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the absorbent material is configured to release from within the cavity of the carrier structure and expand into the suction chamber when the absorbent material transitions from the non-hydrated state to the hydrated state.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the absorbent material is configured to release from within the cavity of the carrier structure in the hydrated state through a separated perimeter seal of the carrier structure.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the absorbent material is attached to the at least one wall of the carrier structure when the absorbent material is in the non-hydrated state, and wherein the absorbent material is configured to detach from the at least one wall of the carrier structure when the absorbent material is in the hydrated state.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein when the absorbent material is in the hydrated state, the absorbent material is configured to release from within the cavity of the carrier structure through the at least one wall to permit the absorbent material to expand into the suction chamber and freely move in the suction chamber. 